Atlético Madrid star admits he thought about retiring during recent injury

Robin Le Normand made his long-awaited return to action for Atlético de Madrid in the Copa del Rey tie against Cacereño on Thursday. The 28-year-old defender, who signed from Real Sociedad over the summer, had been sidelined since the Madrid derby in September when he suffered a traumatic brain injury following an accidental collision with Aurelien Tchouameni.

Le Normand will have the opportunity to make his first appearance in La Liga since that day when Atleti host Sevilla on Sunday. Before that game he spoke in the club’s official media (via MD) about his recovery.

“The injury was very serious, it is something that is not seen much in football. We had to be careful. The entire club, my teammates, the medical staff have been very close, they have taken care of me a lot and I am very grateful.

“The most difficult thing is because it is your passion for playing football, how you manage emotions, your helplessness of wanting to do more, wanting to help the team and not being able to… You can be with your teammates on a daily basis. base and you can’t help on the field. That’s the most complicated thing. Luckily it’s been two months and it’s not long either. That any footballer is unemployed, having doubts about whether I will be able to play again or not, how your body will react… These are issues that have to be managed and it is complicated.

“It was a hard moment, but between my teammates, my friends, my family, the club and the fans, the truth is that I appreciate it a lot and now I am available, waiting for my opportunity to return that affection.”

The return of Le Normand is very good news for Atlético de Madrid, although he has not been missed in recent weeks thanks to the good form of Clement Lenglet. However, his reintegration into Diego Simeone’s squad is valuable.