Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed he hid the real extent of his injury, and added that if it was known there would be “shock” that he has managed to return to professional football.
He said: “In my recovery, I have not rushed anything. I have been following protocol and my schedule day by day. The only secret has been working hard.
“Those close to me know what I have been doing — I was working five, six hours a day. When it happened I said giving up was not an option.
“I am very proud of the moment, and for everyone around me because I wouldn’t have done it alone.
“This was not one man’s work, it was everyone’s and thanks to them that I am back on the field and can play, because if people knew the real injury they would be in shock that I was even playing.
“It was more than the knee, but I will keep it personal — that’s why I choose not to talk of it.”
He added: “I think we can chase City, why is it not a possibility? We are all here because we want to win and we need to because they are first.
“This week [the manager] been very happy because he has a full team for the first time this season and as a coach you want those opportunities and alternatives to make changes.
“He knows what he is doing even when the number of players are limited because he’s a winner and has been winning every season.
“We were early into it last year and won two trophies and we are stronger this season. We believe we can do it — that’s the aim. To win and get the trophies.”
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