Ramik Gadzhiyev: "I want to return as soon as possible and be even stronger"

To the midfielder of "Metalist 1925" Ramik Gadzhyev, an operation was performed in Germany on Monday. It was successful, and now the footballer is awaiting a challenging but clearly planned stage of recovery. We contacted Ramik to find out about his condition, mood, and first steps on the path to return:

— Ramik, first of all, how do you feel after the operation?

— Thank you, I feel fine. The condition has already improved - the swelling has decreased and is now the same as before the operation, but the doctors say it's good. I can already move my leg a little, which gradually adds confidence. It's very nice that the president of "Metalist 1925" Bohdan Boyko, sports director Mykola Shamardin accompanied me to Munich, and the head of the club's sports medicine department Ivan Popov was present at the operation and is currently with me.

— What did the doctors say - how difficult was everything?

— They said that the leg may still hurt, but the operation itself went well. How difficult it was is hard to say, I'm not very knowledgeable about it. The main thing is that everything was successful, and now it all depends on time and rehabilitation.

— What are the conditions for your treatment?

— The conditions are very good. I am still in the clinic where the operation was performed. There is constant supervision, good food, physiotherapists help. I have already started working with them lightly - trying to walk.

— Recall the moment of the injury. What did you feel in the first minutes?

— I immediately understood that it was serious. There was a feeling of a strong crunch in the leg and sharp pain. I couldn't even move my leg or get up on my own. I already understood then that it was something serious... Although, how serious exactly - I didn't know yet.

— How mentally difficult is it to accept this break, especially considering the good start of the season?

— It will be mentally difficult later. I somehow accepted everything in the first days - I understood that I need to move forward, otherwise it's impossible. But when a month passes, the second, the third, when I start really missing the field - then it will be tough. But I am only tuning in for the better and believe that I will return stronger.

— Who supported you the most during these days?

— First of all - my family. My mom and dad came to me immediately, they were by my side. Many thanks to the club, management, team - everyone supported me, and it was very helpful. I also received numerous messages from fans. I read everything. Sincerely thank everyone for the words of support - they are very important. I want to say: everything will be fine, I will return even stronger.

— How important is it to feel that the club and the team are by your side?

— It is really important, and I highly appreciate it. But even more, I want the team to continue moving forward, winning, maintaining the level. And when I return - together we will fight for medals and be among the leaders.

— What is already known about the first stages of recovery?

— The first month - on crutches, cannot yet stand on the leg. Then gradually I will start loading, but still with support. Further, we will see how the recovery progresses. We have specialists in the club who will plan and organize everything correctly.

— How do you prepare yourself for rehabilitation?

— I am tuned in very seriously. I have no other choice - I need to accept the situation and do everything in my power to return as soon as possible. I want to come back not just healthy, but even better than before.