Different Man: Kulusevski Reflects On Gruelling 17-Month Injury Nightmare
Tottenham's Dejan Kulusevski ready to make up for lost time after missing Europa League triumph and World Cup during 17-month layoff that saw Spurs manage only three home league wins.
“The Journey Felt Impossible,” says Kulusevski emotional after Spurs return...
Dejan Kulusevski said he feels like a “different man” following a 17-month injury layoff as he made an emotional comeback for struggling Tottenham.
The Swedish midfielder came on to a huge ovation in the 87th minute of the club's 3-1 win over Coventry on Monday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Kulusevski suffered multiple setbacks following knee surgery in May 2025, but a second procedure in March finally put the 26-year-old on the path to recovery.
“Everything feels great. I have been working harder than you can ever imagine,” Kulusevski said after Tottenham's first Premier League win of the season, which lifted them off the bottom of the table.
“The journey felt impossible. It was the most difficult it could be, but I had a feeling I was going to come back to play football. I just had to believe, and that is what I do.”
He added: “I kept working, 10 hours every day when no one is watching, so when everything was impossible and everyone gave up, I never gave up because of this that happened today.
“I am so grateful that (fans) miss(ed) me play. It means a lot, and I am here to show them a better me. And a better me will be a better Spurs, so we will be good.”
📱 (1) New message from Deki https://t.co/buvFOhd8dy
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 19, 2026
During Kulusevski's long absence, Tottenham could only muster three home league wins and survived relegation on the final day of the 2024/25 season.
The midfielder was sidelined for the club's Europa League triumph in 2025 and Sweden's World Cup campaign, but is now eager to make up for lost time.
“It has been an amazing journey even if it is hard sometimes,” he said. “Hard is beautiful, and I am so grateful that I had to experience it.
“Now I am ready to play football. I see myself a little different now. I think I am a different man now. Same guy, same guy that wants to play football, but a little bit smarter.”
A return 526 days in the making. It's good to have you back, Deki 🤍 https://t.co/lKipWOdqGw
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 20, 2026
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