769 days.
Then Elise Kellund Knight of Hammarby was able to put an end to a long injury to hell.
– I didn’t know if I would be able to play football again, to be honest, she says.
The heat is pressing Canal Blanc, as Hammarby has just finished training ahead of Sunday’s derby against Djurgården and the 32-year-old midfielder. Elise Kellund Knight It shines brighter than the August sun.
After a few tough years with a knee injury and several surgeries and rehabilitation, she can finally play football again.
– It’s a bit surreal actually. I didn’t know if I would be able to play football again, to be honest, she says.
“It was a shock”
There is no doubt that it has been a long and arduous journey for the Killond-Knight.
When Hammarby met Eskilstuna, it was the first time in 769 days that the Australian national team player had played eleven matches.
– It was a shock. I set a goal for this year to be available but then the last five weeks have been better than we could have imagined and I’ve really enjoyed being with the team and contributing the energy. It brought me back, says Kellund Knight.
Last year, the midfielder tried to make a comeback. There was a round against Witsu and Kellund Knight was named to the Australian team for the Olympics in Tokyo.
“The hardest journey of my life”
But once she arrived, the knee problems started again and she was forced to have another surgery.
It was really hard but it made me a stronger person and I hope I can use that at the end of my career.
After 2.5 years on the sidelines, the midfielder, who has 113 caps for Australia on his resume, appreciates football in a very different way than before.
– I appreciate every day. I realized that every training and every match could be the last. For me personally, it was the hardest journey of my life. Undoubtedly.
