When Real Madrid defender Eder Militao was forced out of the opening match of the Spanish Premier League season against Athletic Bilbao on August 12 after suffering a serious injury to his left knee, he was certain that the 2023-2024 season was already over for him.
Five years after his arrival from Porto for 50 million euros ($54.27 million), Militao was at his best, and many considered him one of the best defenders in the world as a starter in the Real Madrid and Brazil squads.
However, as he lay in a hospital bed preparing to undergo surgery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, Militao could only dream of recovering in about ten months according to the schedule before the start of the 2024 Copa America.
However, Militao (26 years old) exceeded expectations, recovering ahead of schedule and resuming training seven months after undergoing surgery and returning to playing with the club at the end of March.
He said that “even in his best dreams” he would not have seen himself in the position he is in now while wearing his shoes after participating in Real Madrid’s training a few days before playing his second Champions League final.
“I feel like I’m watching a movie,” Militao told Reuters as Real Madrid prepared to face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium early next week.
He added before Saturday’s final, “I suffered the injury at a time when I was feeling really good, both physically and mentally.” Everything seems to go by so quickly now, doesn’t it? But for me, after I went through that period, it was very difficult and painful. “Suddenly, you find yourself forced to stop doing everything you are accustomed to in your routine, and at home you are unable to do simple things on your own, and you are forced to rely on the help of others to get up and shower. As an athlete, it was a humbling experience.”
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