More than a year. The last appearance of Juan Bernat (28) on a Ligue 1 pitch dates back to September 16, 2020, against FC Metz (1-0). A serious knee injury stopped the trajectory of the left side, excellent since his arrival at Paris SG in the summer of 2018 from Bayern Munich. After a long rehabilitation and complications, the Spaniard returned to competition this Friday evening, against Angers (2-1, 10th day of L1), coming into play in the second half instead of Abdou Diallo.
A strong moment accompanied by encouragement and hearty applause from the public of the Parc des Princes. Present in a mixed zone at the end of the game, the Iberian could not hide his intense emotion. “Happy. I was very happy to be back on the pitch, to play football, to do what I love the most. I feel very happy. Today (Friday) is a very important day for me, because it has been a very, very long journey, over a year. I got goosebumps when I heard the audience chant my name. I am very happy to be back ”, he confided.
If he enjoys so much, it is because the Iberian international (11 caps, 1 goal) has thought for a time of the worst in the face of the difficulties encountered during his convalescence. “I hope the most complicated is behind me and I am looking to the future. It was difficult, because it was an injury that got complicated. I had to pass on the pool table three times. Normally, an injury like this takes between 5 and 7 months to come back. Me, I took 13 months, almost double. There are difficult times, when you think the knee will not respond. It’s hard. I had a hard time living it. I want to forget, leave it behind, be happy and do what I love again ”, he let go
During his absence, the capital club recruited the young Lusitanian international Nuno Mendes (19), in the form of a loan with option to buy from Sporting CP. A choice that the former resident of Valence CF fully understands. “There is a lot of competition in the team, PSG have recruited very well, we have a very good team. We want to win everything, it’s normal that there is a lot of competition. You have to be at the top to fight for your place and, in the end, it’s the coach who makes his choices ”, he concluded. One fight after another.