Radu Dragusin pens 140-word message after first Tottenham match in 11 months

2 hours ago 33

Tottenham centre-back Radu Dragusin has opened up on his emotions after making his long-awaited comeback during the Lilywhites’ win at Selhurst Park.

The 23-year-old has been out of action since suffering an ACL injury in January of last year, and he made his return to the matchday squad for the first time against Liverpool last week.

Dragusin was once again named on the bench against Crystal Palace, and with Cristian Romero missing the game due to suspension, the Romanian was brought on by Thomas Frank to help the Lilywhites see out the game.

The former Genoa man slotted in as the third centre-back alongside Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven for the final four minutes plus stoppage time as the away side emerged with a hard-fought 1-0 win.

Radu Dragusin admits Tottenham return was a special moment

The centre-back has now admitted that having football taken away from him for the past 11 months was very difficult to deal with.

He thanked his teammates, the staff and the fans for their support through the difficult ordeal and confessed that it was special to be out there with Spurs again.

Dragusin wrote on Instagram: “I didn’t even know where to start. 11 months ago, I went from doing what I love most to not being able to do it anymore. But I never gave up. I knew it was going to be a long, tough road with lots of ups and downs.

“I had the right people next to me, my teammates and staff, who helped me on and off the pitch. My family was always there for me, especially during the difficult moments.

“It’s been 11 months of learning, suffering, good days and some bad ones. But that’s life. 11 months of becoming better than yesterday, even if only by 1%.

“It’s great to be back on the pitch again, next to my teammates, in front of our fans. Thank you to everyone who supported me during this period. It meant so much.”

Dragusin’s future at Spurs is reportedly in doubt

While Sunday was undoubtedly a huge landmark for the centre-back, it has been suggested that it may be one of his last appearances in a Tottenham shirt.

This is because reports indicate that a number of Serie A clubs are vying to sign Dragusin during the January window.

Some sources suggest that Dragusin is set for crunch talks with Spurs over his future, and could ask to leave if he is not promised regular game time.