Gerard Deulofeu's journey back to the football pitch is nothing short of extraordinary. After more than three years away from the game due to injury, he's determined to make a remarkable comeback and create history.
Deulofeu, now 31, has been working tirelessly in the gym, believing that each day brings him closer to a true miracle. "One of the things that keeps me going is the knowledge that I can make history," he says, reflecting on his last appearance for Udinese in January 2023.
Football is more than just a career for Deulofeu; it's his passion, his life. It's the sport that took him from Barcelona's prestigious La Masia academy as a child to European glory as an adult. It's the game that led him to FA Cup finals, the pride of scoring for his country, and the thrill of tying defenders in knots across Europe.
Deulofeu yearns to experience that rush again, to complete what he believes will be the longest recovery in football history. But the road to recovery hasn't been easy. There were times when he couldn't even walk with his kids, take the dogs out, or drive his car. It was during these challenging moments that he realized how much he missed the simple joys of life.
"I lost my personal life entirely," he shares. "That's the most painful thing one can feel."
Deulofeu's right knee, which he describes as "shocking," has been the source of his struggles. He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury before the 2022 World Cup, an injury he didn't fully realize until it was too late. After a brief return to the pitch, he felt his knee giving way, and he knew something was seriously wrong.
"I played just 15 minutes, and in that short time, my ACL was completely torn," he recalls. "That was my last game."
Deulofeu's journey to recovery has been complicated by an infection that ate away at the cartilage in his knee. Each scan showed progressive deterioration, leaving him with a bone-on-bone feeling. He consulted fellow Spaniard Santi Cazorla, who faced a similar battle with gangrene in his Achilles tendon, and found inspiration in Cazorla's comeback.
"It's an incredible example," Deulofeu says. "I can only imagine the suffering he endured for two and a half years, and now I feel it too."
Deulofeu's first step towards recovery was cell treatment to rebuild the cartilage, but he faced setbacks. "My knee needed time to heal," he explains. "Before you can train hard, you must first heal."
After almost two years of continued treatment and injections, Deulofeu believes he's ready to try running again. This progress is a result of his dedication in the gym, where he focused on building muscle for six months, working with a physio and fitness trainer for hours each morning.
"I'm eager to see if my knee can handle the impact," he says. "I'm happy because my leg feels strong. The more muscle you have, the less pain you feel inside the knee, and now I believe my knee is ready to run."
Deulofeu's positive attitude and focus on his goals are remarkable, especially considering the challenges he's faced. He attributes his resilience to three key factors: family, home, and his passion for fitness.
"Family and home are essential," he explains. "To get through this period, your home must be a place of peace and love every morning. Happiness, seeing your kids grow, being with your wife—it's crucial to have a positive environment at home to maintain a good mood for training."
Deulofeu also finds solace in the extra time he's had with his family during his recovery. "Being away from football for three years has allowed me to appreciate the simple joys of being at home," he says. "Spending time with my family, watching my kids grow, and being a father—these are moments that football often takes away. Modern football schedules are demanding, with games every few days, and kids grow up so fast."
His three children are a significant driving force behind his desire to return to football. "My eldest daughter is eight and plays football, and my son, who is five, also plays," he shares. "They keep asking when I'll be back, wanting to go to the stadium with me. Sharing those memories with my kids gives me the strength to keep fighting."
Deulofeu's relationship with Udinese and the Pozzo family, who brought him to Watford and then Udinese, is another reason for his determination. Despite agreeing to end his contract when it became clear he'd be sidelined indefinitely, Udinese has provided him with the facilities to continue his recovery, and Deulofeu is eager to repay their faith.
Finally, Deulofeu's obsession with fitness and health has been a constant companion during his recovery. He studies the science behind his rehabilitation, spends time in oxygen machines, and remains focused on his well-being.
"I'm fascinated by everything related to health," he says. "Being positive helps me see life from a different perspective. I could dwell on my misfortune, but I choose to think positively, keeping my mind clear and focused so I can endure the daily struggles."
Deulofeu's time at the club is spent with a smile, offering advice to his teammates, and enjoying the small victories of his recovery. "Seeing my improvements makes me feel more positive," he adds.
He's grateful that this layoff has come later in his career, having already achieved so much. With over 350 club appearances across the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, and four caps for Spain, Deulofeu has accomplished more than most dream of.
"Imagine if this injury had happened when I was younger? My career would have been over," he says. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to play for AC Milan, Barcelona, Everton, and Sevilla. I won the Europa League, played for my country, and scored goals. What more could I ask for?"
As the interview concludes, Deulofeu has another hour and a half on the bike ahead of him, followed by his duties as a father, picking up his kids from school and attending his son's training session in the evening. He finds it too nerve-wracking to watch Udinese play in the stadiums on weekends, preferring to rest for another week of intense training, but he takes great pride in watching his children play football.
"I'm there for two hours, so proud of them," he says with a smile. "Their game is my game! It's a beautiful experience, offering advice on their technique and passing. It's a joy to be a part of their journey."
Deulofeu's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. His journey back to the football pitch, if successful, will undoubtedly be a historic achievement.
