2019-10-28 10:27#262197 TheLFCFan : It seems Miguel is making a friend in the hospital! Hopefully she can keep his spirits high through these struggling times!
We'll have to wait and see....
We'll have to wait and see....
We'll have to wait and see....
Unsettling to find out that Migi isn't really sure at all where his career goes from here despite still being under contract at the club. The Sporting game provided a timely distraction but there will be times where his thinking drifts back into that hole of despair and uncertainty. I just hope he comes up with a plan some time soon!
2019-10-28 21:54#262202 Jack : Unsettling to find out that Migi isn't really sure at all where his career goes from here despite still being under contract at the club. The Sporting game provided a timely distraction but there will be times where his thinking drifts back into that hole of despair and uncertainty. I just hope he comes up with a plan some time soon!
Thanks for the reply man, it's certainly an intriguing time for him.
‘Just think about what I said, with your experience at lower levels, I think you’d make a great coach’
‘I had 1 chance to impress at professional level and got injured, I’m going to be lucky to play again, what makes a failed semi-pro footballer a good coach?’
‘Just think about it’
He woke up suddenly. For the third straight night, he’d had the same dream, a figure dressed in white was sat in a restaurant opposite Miguel, and was telling him how he’d make a great coach or manager, and every time Miguel asked him how he as a failed footballer could be a good manager, he suddenly wakes up. After a few moments he’d forgot all about it, and decided to go to the canteen for some breakfast.
By the start of December he was now walking with the aid of crutches, whilst his left leg was still in a lot of pain, the amount medication he was taking helped take the pain away. As was normal by this stage, he’d see Leonor sat at the same table in the restaurant waiting for him. It started out as a means to get Miguel walking with the crutches on his own.
At the start of this part of his rehabilitation, Leonor would get to work early and would walk with him, usually having 1 hand on his shoulder as he walked to the restaurant and she’d walk him to a table, after which she’d go for coffee and some breakfast. However as the weeks went by he was able to get himself from his room to the restaurant and meet her there. He was making incredible progress she’d often remark to herself, if he carries on at this rate, he may just put on a pair of football boots again, but even she was getting ahead of herself here, there was a long way to go.
After around 20 minutes or so of this morning’s discussion she asked him about his career. She’d never met a professional footballer, although he kept reminding her that he was only a professional for 9 games, 1 of which he was brought to hospital after suffering the current injury he finds himself with, but she was still interested in what he had to say.
‘So did Varzim ever contact you?’
‘Yes and no, they told Oleiros their scouts were there to watch me specifically, and each of the games they were there I did well, scored or assisted in each, so I think I did well but nothing ever came of it’
‘Were you upset at that?’
‘Nah, not really, I never thought I’d ever make it as a pro, I had a decent little number at Oleiros, I was player of the year, club ambassador, I had it good, but the money wasn’t the best, I just kept thinking if I make it I make it, if not it’s not the end of the world, and between you and me, I’m not actually that good a player, I’m what you’d call the best of a bad bunch’ he said with a smile on his face.
‘But Estoril are a pretty big club aren’t they? They were willing to give you a chance’
‘Yeah but even then I only made the reserves, and I did give it my all, I would’ve been happy playing back up to the first team. Anyway, when we talk it always seems to be about me, I don’t know much about you’
‘What do you want know? I’m a trainee nurse and qualified physio, so I split my time between here and the physio therapy center downstairs. I don’t really have a lot of time on my hands, so getting this time with you some mornings I really enjoy’
Miguel didn’t know if she was being genuine or not, but he appreciated the comment
‘Anyway, from my professional point of view, I think you’re making remarkable progress’
‘Thanks, I’m not getting ahead of myself, I do hope to play again 1 day though’
‘1 step at a time. Oh dear look at the time, I’ve got to get going, I’ll try and see you on the ward later, maybe grab lunch?’
‘That’d be nice, have a good day’
‘You too’ she smiled and walked off.
As has been routine for most of his life, Miguel continued his support for the football team he loves the most. By the end of December Sporting Lisbon had won 3 and lost 1 in the league to keep them near the top pushing Benfica and Porto all the way. There was the big derby game between Sporting and Porto coming up on the 12th of January, but he’ll probably get to watch it from the hospital, he’s nowhere near confident enough to leave just yet, plus the doctors wouldn’t sign off on his release yet any way.
As for the big game itself, it wasn’t anything special. Both teams were riding high in the league, Porto leading the league in first place and Sporting in third, but it was a nervy game with neither team really taking many chances, and the end result of a 0-0 draw surprised no one.
After another uneventful 2 weeks, Miguel had a check in with the surgeon who performed the surgeries on his leg.
‘I don’t think I ever mentioned this to you, but I’ve worked on plenty of footballers in the past’
‘Oh really, like who?’
‘What you’d call big name players like Alan Shearer, Johnathon Woodgate, Robert Pires, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink to name a few when I was working in England, but when I moved back to Portugal I have worked on Raul’s knee before he went to Qatar, and Alessandro Del Piero came to me when he got injured playing in Australia, he said I prolonged his career, that’s always the ultimate compliment, and they’ve all given me signed shirts as a thank you’
Miguel didn’t know if the doctor was hinting at something but replied with ‘that’s pretty cool, I can give you a signed Estoril shirt if you want’
‘You don’t have to, I never ask for anything in return, I’m just doing my job’
After a general check up and the usual questions, the doctor asked Miguel about his physiotherapy
‘I know a guy who runs a clinic here in Lisbon for recovering athletes, you should check it out when you start you're walking without crutches, I know the guy really well, I think you should meet him and get some advice’
‘Sounds great, I’ll look into it’
‘That didn’t sound convincing, I will ask him to come here and talk to you, doctors orders’
‘Okay thanks’
With that the doctor left. The next few days were spent relaxing and keeping tabs on the things happening in the world of football. In England there’s rumors the team he likes to see do well, Newcastle United are set to break their own transfer record with the signing of Miguel Almiron from the MLS, however nothing has come of it yet. There’s no real transfer news for Sporting apart from a couple of youth players going out on loan, but the club is in a healthy position still in third place in the league, with only 2 league games to come in January, a home game with Moreirense and an away game with Vitoria de Setubal, as well as the quarter final of the Taca de Portugal, the Portuguese cup, against Feirense.
When he wasn’t thinking about Sporting Lisbon, he was generally thinking about his own future. What if he couldn’t play again, then what? Would he have to go and find a job that doesn’t involve football? Just as his mind started wandering, there was a knock at the door, and a figure wearing a white shirt and grey trousers walked in that seemed to be recognisable, but Miguel wasn’t sure if it was him or not.
‘Hello Miguel, Doctor Martinez asked me to come and speak to you’
Miguel was sort of star struck, that couldn’t be him, surely it was someone who happened to look like him, or was it?
After nearly 2 hours, Miguel’s initial suspicion was confirmed as his visitor was clearly who he thought he was. The man had made time to see Miguel and explained that he owns and runs a rehabilitation clinic in the heart of Lisbon, and specifically caters to athletes that have suffered high level injuries.
During their time together they also spoke about each other’s career, Miguels own career didn’t compare in comparison to his visitors career, nowhere near in fact, but he seemed genuinely interested in what Miguel had to say about his experiences at semi professional level. The visitor did remark that not every player was fortunate enough to play at the San Siro, Bernabeau, and all over the world, but he was grateful for the opportunities football had afforded him.
Not long before he left, Miguel’s visitor had also remarked that he was part of a committee in another country that helps people make their way into football coaching. It was only a small operation at the minute, but the aim was to give retiring players, or other people in sport a chance to gain their coaching licences as well as some experience at regional level, in the hopes that they can make it in coaching.
‘Just give it some thought Miguel, we’ve only been running the course around 4 months but we’ve had a number of retiring players come to us and start work on their coaching badges’ the man was saying ‘And if nothing else, it may help take your mind of things whilst you’re here’
‘Thanks, I’ll certainly give it some thought’
‘I’ve got to get going now, here’s my number, just in case you need to chat, or you want some advice’
‘Wow, you, you’re giving me your number? I’m speechless’
‘Don’t be, I’m being genuine, if for nothing else I really want to help other players in tough situations make the most of the time they have left in the game’. With that the man left the room.
Shortly before this conversation Miguel was having bad thoughts about his time in football, now however, there seems to be an option should his playing career be in jeopardy. As he sat back down with a smile on his face, his phone rang, and he recognised the number
‘Hello?’
‘Miguel, we need to talk’
‘I had 1 chance to impress at professional level and got injured, I’m going to be lucky to play again, what makes a failed semi-pro footballer a good coach?’
‘Just think about it’
He woke up suddenly. For the third straight night, he’d had the same dream, a figure dressed in white was sat in a restaurant opposite Miguel, and was telling him how he’d make a great coach or manager, and every time Miguel asked him how he as a failed footballer could be a good manager, he suddenly wakes up. After a few moments he’d forgot all about it, and decided to go to the canteen for some breakfast.
By the start of December he was now walking with the aid of crutches, whilst his left leg was still in a lot of pain, the amount medication he was taking helped take the pain away. As was normal by this stage, he’d see Leonor sat at the same table in the restaurant waiting for him. It started out as a means to get Miguel walking with the crutches on his own.
At the start of this part of his rehabilitation, Leonor would get to work early and would walk with him, usually having 1 hand on his shoulder as he walked to the restaurant and she’d walk him to a table, after which she’d go for coffee and some breakfast. However as the weeks went by he was able to get himself from his room to the restaurant and meet her there. He was making incredible progress she’d often remark to herself, if he carries on at this rate, he may just put on a pair of football boots again, but even she was getting ahead of herself here, there was a long way to go.
After around 20 minutes or so of this morning’s discussion she asked him about his career. She’d never met a professional footballer, although he kept reminding her that he was only a professional for 9 games, 1 of which he was brought to hospital after suffering the current injury he finds himself with, but she was still interested in what he had to say.
‘So did Varzim ever contact you?’
‘Yes and no, they told Oleiros their scouts were there to watch me specifically, and each of the games they were there I did well, scored or assisted in each, so I think I did well but nothing ever came of it’
‘Were you upset at that?’
‘Nah, not really, I never thought I’d ever make it as a pro, I had a decent little number at Oleiros, I was player of the year, club ambassador, I had it good, but the money wasn’t the best, I just kept thinking if I make it I make it, if not it’s not the end of the world, and between you and me, I’m not actually that good a player, I’m what you’d call the best of a bad bunch’ he said with a smile on his face.
‘But Estoril are a pretty big club aren’t they? They were willing to give you a chance’
‘Yeah but even then I only made the reserves, and I did give it my all, I would’ve been happy playing back up to the first team. Anyway, when we talk it always seems to be about me, I don’t know much about you’
‘What do you want know? I’m a trainee nurse and qualified physio, so I split my time between here and the physio therapy center downstairs. I don’t really have a lot of time on my hands, so getting this time with you some mornings I really enjoy’
Miguel didn’t know if she was being genuine or not, but he appreciated the comment
‘Anyway, from my professional point of view, I think you’re making remarkable progress’
‘Thanks, I’m not getting ahead of myself, I do hope to play again 1 day though’
‘1 step at a time. Oh dear look at the time, I’ve got to get going, I’ll try and see you on the ward later, maybe grab lunch?’
‘That’d be nice, have a good day’
‘You too’ she smiled and walked off.
As has been routine for most of his life, Miguel continued his support for the football team he loves the most. By the end of December Sporting Lisbon had won 3 and lost 1 in the league to keep them near the top pushing Benfica and Porto all the way. There was the big derby game between Sporting and Porto coming up on the 12th of January, but he’ll probably get to watch it from the hospital, he’s nowhere near confident enough to leave just yet, plus the doctors wouldn’t sign off on his release yet any way.
As for the big game itself, it wasn’t anything special. Both teams were riding high in the league, Porto leading the league in first place and Sporting in third, but it was a nervy game with neither team really taking many chances, and the end result of a 0-0 draw surprised no one.
After another uneventful 2 weeks, Miguel had a check in with the surgeon who performed the surgeries on his leg.
‘I don’t think I ever mentioned this to you, but I’ve worked on plenty of footballers in the past’
‘Oh really, like who?’
‘What you’d call big name players like Alan Shearer, Johnathon Woodgate, Robert Pires, Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink to name a few when I was working in England, but when I moved back to Portugal I have worked on Raul’s knee before he went to Qatar, and Alessandro Del Piero came to me when he got injured playing in Australia, he said I prolonged his career, that’s always the ultimate compliment, and they’ve all given me signed shirts as a thank you’
Miguel didn’t know if the doctor was hinting at something but replied with ‘that’s pretty cool, I can give you a signed Estoril shirt if you want’
‘You don’t have to, I never ask for anything in return, I’m just doing my job’
After a general check up and the usual questions, the doctor asked Miguel about his physiotherapy
‘I know a guy who runs a clinic here in Lisbon for recovering athletes, you should check it out when you start you're walking without crutches, I know the guy really well, I think you should meet him and get some advice’
‘Sounds great, I’ll look into it’
‘That didn’t sound convincing, I will ask him to come here and talk to you, doctors orders’
‘Okay thanks’
With that the doctor left. The next few days were spent relaxing and keeping tabs on the things happening in the world of football. In England there’s rumors the team he likes to see do well, Newcastle United are set to break their own transfer record with the signing of Miguel Almiron from the MLS, however nothing has come of it yet. There’s no real transfer news for Sporting apart from a couple of youth players going out on loan, but the club is in a healthy position still in third place in the league, with only 2 league games to come in January, a home game with Moreirense and an away game with Vitoria de Setubal, as well as the quarter final of the Taca de Portugal, the Portuguese cup, against Feirense.
When he wasn’t thinking about Sporting Lisbon, he was generally thinking about his own future. What if he couldn’t play again, then what? Would he have to go and find a job that doesn’t involve football? Just as his mind started wandering, there was a knock at the door, and a figure wearing a white shirt and grey trousers walked in that seemed to be recognisable, but Miguel wasn’t sure if it was him or not.
‘Hello Miguel, Doctor Martinez asked me to come and speak to you’
Miguel was sort of star struck, that couldn’t be him, surely it was someone who happened to look like him, or was it?
After nearly 2 hours, Miguel’s initial suspicion was confirmed as his visitor was clearly who he thought he was. The man had made time to see Miguel and explained that he owns and runs a rehabilitation clinic in the heart of Lisbon, and specifically caters to athletes that have suffered high level injuries.
During their time together they also spoke about each other’s career, Miguels own career didn’t compare in comparison to his visitors career, nowhere near in fact, but he seemed genuinely interested in what Miguel had to say about his experiences at semi professional level. The visitor did remark that not every player was fortunate enough to play at the San Siro, Bernabeau, and all over the world, but he was grateful for the opportunities football had afforded him.
Not long before he left, Miguel’s visitor had also remarked that he was part of a committee in another country that helps people make their way into football coaching. It was only a small operation at the minute, but the aim was to give retiring players, or other people in sport a chance to gain their coaching licences as well as some experience at regional level, in the hopes that they can make it in coaching.
‘Just give it some thought Miguel, we’ve only been running the course around 4 months but we’ve had a number of retiring players come to us and start work on their coaching badges’ the man was saying ‘And if nothing else, it may help take your mind of things whilst you’re here’
‘Thanks, I’ll certainly give it some thought’
‘I’ve got to get going now, here’s my number, just in case you need to chat, or you want some advice’
‘Wow, you, you’re giving me your number? I’m speechless’
‘Don’t be, I’m being genuine, if for nothing else I really want to help other players in tough situations make the most of the time they have left in the game’. With that the man left the room.
Shortly before this conversation Miguel was having bad thoughts about his time in football, now however, there seems to be an option should his playing career be in jeopardy. As he sat back down with a smile on his face, his phone rang, and he recognised the number
‘Hello?’
‘Miguel, we need to talk’
1
Migi seems to be seeing life more positively as the days go on. Even if his playing days are over, coaching could be something that keeps his passion and love for the game alive.
Things are looking a lot more positive for Miguel. Another great update - very impressed so far.
2019-10-30 22:09#262225 ScottT : Things are looking a lot more positive for Miguel. Another great update - very impressed so far.
Cheers for the kind words man
2019-10-30 11:34#262219 TheLFCFan : Migi seems to be seeing life more positively as the days go on. Even if his playing days are over, coaching could be something that keeps his passion and love for the game alive.
Yeah for sure. New update coming soon.
‘I’m sorry Miguel, the decision has been made, you’re being let go’
Miguel didn’t have time to think of an answer. He just sat there in silence. Estoril had been good to him up until now. 6 months ago he suffered a devastating injury and the club promised to support him through his recovery despite not being a contracted player, but now the manager that signed Miguel has been sacked, with the club failing to live up to expectations in the league and they find themselves 12th and 11 points off automatic promotion. The new manager was someone Miguel knew well, and was the person on the other end of the phone
‘But the club said they’d….’ he was cut off
‘Wrong, the previous manager said he’d support you, not me. I’m not sticking by you when you wouldn’t stick by me in my time of need’
‘Your time of need? That’s rich, we’d just lost in the play off final to a much stronger team, and I’d earned the chance to go to Estoril, much like you have actually, and you’re holding a grudge over me because I’d been the best player at Oleiros for 2 years and moved up in the footballing world?!?’
‘Whatever Miguel, you could’ve built something special with me at Oleiros but you jumped ship at the first chance…’ This time Miguel cut the man off
‘You have done exactly the same! Oleiros are 6th in the league and you’ve gone to Estoril to better yourself, you’re pathetic you really are, holding a grudge over nothing’
‘Sorry Miguel, I’m here to build my own team and you’re not part of my plans. Good luck with your rehabilitation’ The man hung up before Miguel could reply.
The person on the end of the phone was Dominic De Sousa, the manager Miguel played under at ARC Oleiros for 2 seasons. The club was semi-professional and didn’t have any full time players on contracts, so when the opportunity to go to Esotril came up, Miguel took that chance and left. At the time the manager and board held no grudges, or so Miguel thought. Out of habit he always kept an eye on how Oleiros were doing, and this season they were doing well. 12 wins from 19 meant heading into February they were 6th in the league and looking good for at least another play off finish. Estoril had seen this and managed to get De Sousa to leave Oleiros and join them, however it looks like damage limitations for this season. When the phone call ended, Miguel didn’t actually realise but in his anger he managed to stand up and pace the room without the use of crutches.
It wasn’t long before he understood the predicament he was now in. Injured, possibly never returning as a player and without a job or income. Were there any clubs out there willing to take on a player that couldn’t play for an undetermined amount of time, probably not. However despite the bad news Miguel was in high spirits. He’d spent a couple of hours speaking to 1 of the great’s in the game and after the phone call he just received he has decided that he’s going to take him up on the offer to look into his coaching badges, whether he returns as a player or not.
February 2019 came and by this time Miguel had surprised the doctors no end. He was able to walk without the use of crutches, and was even spending time in the gym, albeit not going too hard but still, to be walking on your own 2 feet 5 months after suffering and ACL and torn quadriceps injury is largely unheard of. He was never the most physically fit player there was but looking at how quickly he’s recovery has gone so far, you’d think he’d done nothing but conditioning all his life. Despite the constant work outs he had completely forgot about being a non contracted footballer with no direction in his career. It wasn’t until the former player, one of the best players of any generation rang him to follow up on their phone call a number of weeks ago
‘Miguel, hi it’s…
Miguel was nervous, excited and shy all at the same time, and cut the man off ‘Hi, I know I saved your number’ he said hurriedly
‘I was just wondering how you’re recovery is going and if you’ve thought any more about what I said’ the man replied
‘It’s going well, I'm walking and running now and things are looking good’
Around ten minutes passed by the time the 2 had finished talking, with the man on the phone saying he has a friend that will speak to him about going to the coaching center he runs
A week later during March and his recovery has gone well. He’s walking, running, lifting weights and able to swim now. The doctors are happy for him to leave the hospital now, and there was a football match on the telly that seemed a perfect thing to watch. Sporting Lisbon are away to Boavista.
He was in a bar local to his flat in Lisbon, and Leonor was with him watching the game. After 7 minutes it was 1 all, and from then on Sporting were lucky to be in the game. Miguel wasn’t happy at the way the team were plying and made his feelings known towards the screen more than once. By the 89th minute it was still 1 all, and the linesman put the board up, 3 minutes of extra time.
For the majority of Sporting fans, it was just 3 minutes to hold on for a draw. They’ve been the worse team today and are lucky it’s still 1 all. As the time ticks away, Fernandes makes a run down the right wing, he gets past the winger and only has the full back to go by, just run it in to the corner, waste some time Miguel thinks to himself, but Fernandes has other ideas. He knocks the ball past the left back and gets into the area, he’s not got any support, just hold the ball for Gods sake! But he tries to go inside but can’t get past the covering center half, he’s forced out wide now, he’s going absolutely nowhere, just keep hold, WHY HAVE YOU HAVE DIVED WHY?!? He’s on a yellow card already, Miguel is screaming at the screen, the ref’s coming over, at least getting a second yellow will run, what? What’s he, YEEEESSSSSS the people in the bar are all in unison as the ref points to the penalty and has given a penalty in the 93rd minute to Sporting Lisbon, Fernanades went down far too easily but the ref’s view must've been different, not that it matters. Fernandes himself steps up to take it, he’s got a short run up.
Please score, please score, please just bury this are the thoughts going through Miguels mind, Fernandes starts his run up, 1 step, 2 steps, stutter, places the ball to the keepers left as he dives right! GOOOOAAAALLLL!!! As the ball hits the net the fans in the bar are cheering and celebrating, and Miguel turns to Leonor and picks her up in jubilation. As he puts her down he himself jumps into the crowd of fans in the bar, but as he turns round and he’s hit with another couple of fans joining in the celebrations, and as he comes down on his foot, he feels his knee bend, his recently surgically repaired knee, and as he screams in agony his voice is drowned out by the cheering noises of a bar full of Sporting Lisbon fans.
The pain was almost as bad as it was when he first injured that leg.
This is bad, this is really bad.
Miguel didn’t have time to think of an answer. He just sat there in silence. Estoril had been good to him up until now. 6 months ago he suffered a devastating injury and the club promised to support him through his recovery despite not being a contracted player, but now the manager that signed Miguel has been sacked, with the club failing to live up to expectations in the league and they find themselves 12th and 11 points off automatic promotion. The new manager was someone Miguel knew well, and was the person on the other end of the phone
‘But the club said they’d….’ he was cut off
‘Wrong, the previous manager said he’d support you, not me. I’m not sticking by you when you wouldn’t stick by me in my time of need’
‘Your time of need? That’s rich, we’d just lost in the play off final to a much stronger team, and I’d earned the chance to go to Estoril, much like you have actually, and you’re holding a grudge over me because I’d been the best player at Oleiros for 2 years and moved up in the footballing world?!?’
‘Whatever Miguel, you could’ve built something special with me at Oleiros but you jumped ship at the first chance…’ This time Miguel cut the man off
‘You have done exactly the same! Oleiros are 6th in the league and you’ve gone to Estoril to better yourself, you’re pathetic you really are, holding a grudge over nothing’
‘Sorry Miguel, I’m here to build my own team and you’re not part of my plans. Good luck with your rehabilitation’ The man hung up before Miguel could reply.
The person on the end of the phone was Dominic De Sousa, the manager Miguel played under at ARC Oleiros for 2 seasons. The club was semi-professional and didn’t have any full time players on contracts, so when the opportunity to go to Esotril came up, Miguel took that chance and left. At the time the manager and board held no grudges, or so Miguel thought. Out of habit he always kept an eye on how Oleiros were doing, and this season they were doing well. 12 wins from 19 meant heading into February they were 6th in the league and looking good for at least another play off finish. Estoril had seen this and managed to get De Sousa to leave Oleiros and join them, however it looks like damage limitations for this season. When the phone call ended, Miguel didn’t actually realise but in his anger he managed to stand up and pace the room without the use of crutches.
It wasn’t long before he understood the predicament he was now in. Injured, possibly never returning as a player and without a job or income. Were there any clubs out there willing to take on a player that couldn’t play for an undetermined amount of time, probably not. However despite the bad news Miguel was in high spirits. He’d spent a couple of hours speaking to 1 of the great’s in the game and after the phone call he just received he has decided that he’s going to take him up on the offer to look into his coaching badges, whether he returns as a player or not.
February 2019 came and by this time Miguel had surprised the doctors no end. He was able to walk without the use of crutches, and was even spending time in the gym, albeit not going too hard but still, to be walking on your own 2 feet 5 months after suffering and ACL and torn quadriceps injury is largely unheard of. He was never the most physically fit player there was but looking at how quickly he’s recovery has gone so far, you’d think he’d done nothing but conditioning all his life. Despite the constant work outs he had completely forgot about being a non contracted footballer with no direction in his career. It wasn’t until the former player, one of the best players of any generation rang him to follow up on their phone call a number of weeks ago
‘Miguel, hi it’s…
Miguel was nervous, excited and shy all at the same time, and cut the man off ‘Hi, I know I saved your number’ he said hurriedly
‘I was just wondering how you’re recovery is going and if you’ve thought any more about what I said’ the man replied
‘It’s going well, I'm walking and running now and things are looking good’
Around ten minutes passed by the time the 2 had finished talking, with the man on the phone saying he has a friend that will speak to him about going to the coaching center he runs
A week later during March and his recovery has gone well. He’s walking, running, lifting weights and able to swim now. The doctors are happy for him to leave the hospital now, and there was a football match on the telly that seemed a perfect thing to watch. Sporting Lisbon are away to Boavista.
He was in a bar local to his flat in Lisbon, and Leonor was with him watching the game. After 7 minutes it was 1 all, and from then on Sporting were lucky to be in the game. Miguel wasn’t happy at the way the team were plying and made his feelings known towards the screen more than once. By the 89th minute it was still 1 all, and the linesman put the board up, 3 minutes of extra time.
For the majority of Sporting fans, it was just 3 minutes to hold on for a draw. They’ve been the worse team today and are lucky it’s still 1 all. As the time ticks away, Fernandes makes a run down the right wing, he gets past the winger and only has the full back to go by, just run it in to the corner, waste some time Miguel thinks to himself, but Fernandes has other ideas. He knocks the ball past the left back and gets into the area, he’s not got any support, just hold the ball for Gods sake! But he tries to go inside but can’t get past the covering center half, he’s forced out wide now, he’s going absolutely nowhere, just keep hold, WHY HAVE YOU HAVE DIVED WHY?!? He’s on a yellow card already, Miguel is screaming at the screen, the ref’s coming over, at least getting a second yellow will run, what? What’s he, YEEEESSSSSS the people in the bar are all in unison as the ref points to the penalty and has given a penalty in the 93rd minute to Sporting Lisbon, Fernanades went down far too easily but the ref’s view must've been different, not that it matters. Fernandes himself steps up to take it, he’s got a short run up.
Please score, please score, please just bury this are the thoughts going through Miguels mind, Fernandes starts his run up, 1 step, 2 steps, stutter, places the ball to the keepers left as he dives right! GOOOOAAAALLLL!!! As the ball hits the net the fans in the bar are cheering and celebrating, and Miguel turns to Leonor and picks her up in jubilation. As he puts her down he himself jumps into the crowd of fans in the bar, but as he turns round and he’s hit with another couple of fans joining in the celebrations, and as he comes down on his foot, he feels his knee bend, his recently surgically repaired knee, and as he screams in agony his voice is drowned out by the cheering noises of a bar full of Sporting Lisbon fans.
The pain was almost as bad as it was when he first injured that leg.
This is bad, this is really bad.
1
2019-11-02 17:45#262302 TheLFCFan : It goes from bad to worse! Migi needs to catch a break from somewhere!
These things happen. New update on it's way
‘If your career wasn’t over before, it is now’.
‘Thanks for your support captain obvious’ Miguel replied. He didn’t let the other man continue ‘Anyway don’t patronise me, I’m not in the mood’. The other man just sat in silence, not really sure if he should speak, but he’d known Miguel a long time, and just thought best to be quiet.
5 weeks had passed since Miguel had reinjured his knee. This time it wasn’t as serious, although the pain made him think otherwise. During this time he was in the same hospital room as before, had constant visits from Leonor, it’s not your fault Miguel, don’t beat yourself up, just think you got back to running and swimming before you can do it again, she always gave him positive thoughts, but the long days sat with nothing but your thoughts had dragged him into a semi depressive state. He was nervous he was getting an addiction to the medicine, the days and nights were just one long constant, he hadn’t even watched any football at all, but one day things changed, and Miguel almost instantly got out of his depression, as when the surgeon came by, the same one that repaired his knee initially, he wasn’t as positive, but still made Miguel feel a bit better
‘I won’t lie to you, well as a professional surgeon and a student of medicine I can’t lie anyway, but just so you know, this second injury isn’t the one that ended your career’
Miguel had secretly knew he’d never play football again, well not competitive anyway ‘What do you mean?’
‘This second injury, in my opinion is just a case of bad timing, wrong place at the wrong time kind of thing’
‘I don’t get it’
‘What I mean is, when you first came to me and I operated on you, I knew then that your career was over’
‘How? You’ve always supported me and helped me get back to playing again, you even brought….’ He was cut off
‘No, I’ve never once said you’ll play again, I always try to keep my patients mind at ease and not let that distract you from what’s most important, and that is being able to walk again, that comes before any career. As you know I’ve been a medic for nearly 30 years, I’ve been a knee surgeon for 20 of those, and I’ve been fortunate enough to learn about the knee, tendons and everything associated with that for a long time, I’ve also been the what you’d say, the go to guy for knee and quad injuries, so I know a thing or 2 about these kind of things’ He didn’t sound like he was being patronising, but Miguel let him continue ‘But as you know I’ve worked on some of the top athletes in the world, I’ve worked with some of the best footballers ever to play the game, I’ve worked on people who have been in serious car accidents, but I want you to know, the condition your knee was in when I first met you was one of the worst I’ve ever seen’
Miguel was speechless, ‘How, why, I can’t understand’
‘I know, it was just a bad tackle, but I don’t think you’ve ever been aware, but you have the worse case of osteoarthritis in your knee I’ve ever seen, and that is what caused a great deal of the extensive damage in your leg. It may be hard to say, but it was just a matter of time before something like this happened, you could’ve fallen over at a young age, say 14 and had this happen and you may never have played football at all, but to say you’ve had nearly 16 years in the game, it is quite remarkable. When I first repaired your knee, I had said all along the main goal is walking and running again, I said you’d be out for a year, but 7 months later you were running, swimming and in the gym, I thought to myself my diagnosis was wrong first the first time in my 30 years as a medic, but this second injury like I say is just bad luck’
He knew deep down it was over, he’d known a long time ago but the thought of getting to play again is what kept him going. It wasn’t the hours spent in a hospital bed that was the worse, the pain wasn’t even the worse thing, but the mental anguish of knowing not being able to play again was the worse thing, being alone with your own thoughts was the hardest part of it all. When the doctor told him what he already knew, it wasn’t that hard to accept.
The doctor continued ‘It is always my ultimate goal to get you in a position to live a normal life again, and as part of that I have a duty of care to try and get you back on your feet. You won’t have realised but during our conversations I was asking you questions about how you approached football matches, what you think worked and didn’t and even me, as someone who only supports football and not invested as a manger…’
‘Who do you support, don’t think I’ve asked you Miguel interrupted
‘It doesn’t matter, the thing is I could see how passionate you are about the game, I could see it in you that you knew about tactics, positioning, and you said something to me that made me know how I could help you’
‘Oh really, what was that’
‘You said to me that when people watch a game of football, whether on TV or in the ground, they watch the ball, even a lot of players do as well, but coaches watch the game not the ball, and that got me thinking that you really know about football, that’s why I got my friend to get in touch and come visit you’
‘I still can’t believe him of all people came to see me!’
‘Haha I understand, we’ve kept in touch ever since I worked on his knee, oh must be 13 years ago now, anyway if he can help you with the next step of your career, then my job as a medic has been done’
The conversation really picked Miguel up, and from then on he knew what to do. The medic had spoken to Miguel at around 8pm Lisbon time, he didn’t know where his new friend was but he thought to contact him in the morning, so at 9.23AM the next morning he rang and was greeted with a very positive person on the other end of the phone
‘Miguel, how are you my friend?’
‘Better, all things considered’
‘Don’t beat yourself up about it, like I said to you when I met you, I’m here for you and I’m happy you’ve called me’
‘Thanks, for someone like you to be in my corner and helping me, it’s unreal it really is, I just want to ask, when can I sign up to your coaching course, I’ve decided to take you up on your offer?’
‘That’s the spirit, I’m actually flying there this afternoon, and you should come with me’
‘There’s no way I can get a flight that soon..’
‘No, no no I mean I’m flying out on my personal plane, you can come with me, and you don’t need to buy a ticket’
‘Wow really? That’s wow’ he really was speechless.
‘It’s settled then, I’ll message you the flight details, just bring some clothes, we’ll be there a few days, and don’t worry about accommodation, we’ll sort that when we get there’ The man finished and the call ended.
The next couple of hours Miguel spent getting his things ready, he’d asked Leonor to get some stuff from his flat, passport, clothes that kind of thing, and then when he was ready Leonor helped him to the entrance of the hospital, where a car was waiting to take him to the airport
‘Where is it you’re going exactly?’
‘You know, I’m not sure, he just said we’re flying out on his private plane and we leave this afternoon’
‘And you’re sure it’s him?’
‘Of course, remember I’ve met him he came to the hospital to see me’
‘I just think it’s too good to be true, I don’t know much about football but I know who he is, and he’s still kind of a big deal isn’t he’
‘Yeah, I know it’s a bit surreal, but I’m sure it’s all fine, and look spending some one on one time with him is going to help me isn’t it, if I’m to get anywhere in the next step of my career I need all the advice I can get’
With that he got into the car, a black SUV that looks like something Donald Trump would travel in
‘Ola amigo, coma estas?’ the driver said
Luckily, Miguel speaks Spanish ‘Buenos dias amigo, sabes a donde va el veulo?’
‘Si senior, Ankara.’
‘Turquia?!?’
‘Si, estas listo?
‘Si’
So the flight was headed to Turkey, Miguel was surprised, he thought it may be somewhere else in Portugal,
or even Spain, but Turkey? He’d never been to Turkey before, but he was excited to see what the next few days were going to bring.
‘Thanks for your support captain obvious’ Miguel replied. He didn’t let the other man continue ‘Anyway don’t patronise me, I’m not in the mood’. The other man just sat in silence, not really sure if he should speak, but he’d known Miguel a long time, and just thought best to be quiet.
5 weeks had passed since Miguel had reinjured his knee. This time it wasn’t as serious, although the pain made him think otherwise. During this time he was in the same hospital room as before, had constant visits from Leonor, it’s not your fault Miguel, don’t beat yourself up, just think you got back to running and swimming before you can do it again, she always gave him positive thoughts, but the long days sat with nothing but your thoughts had dragged him into a semi depressive state. He was nervous he was getting an addiction to the medicine, the days and nights were just one long constant, he hadn’t even watched any football at all, but one day things changed, and Miguel almost instantly got out of his depression, as when the surgeon came by, the same one that repaired his knee initially, he wasn’t as positive, but still made Miguel feel a bit better
‘I won’t lie to you, well as a professional surgeon and a student of medicine I can’t lie anyway, but just so you know, this second injury isn’t the one that ended your career’
Miguel had secretly knew he’d never play football again, well not competitive anyway ‘What do you mean?’
‘This second injury, in my opinion is just a case of bad timing, wrong place at the wrong time kind of thing’
‘I don’t get it’
‘What I mean is, when you first came to me and I operated on you, I knew then that your career was over’
‘How? You’ve always supported me and helped me get back to playing again, you even brought….’ He was cut off
‘No, I’ve never once said you’ll play again, I always try to keep my patients mind at ease and not let that distract you from what’s most important, and that is being able to walk again, that comes before any career. As you know I’ve been a medic for nearly 30 years, I’ve been a knee surgeon for 20 of those, and I’ve been fortunate enough to learn about the knee, tendons and everything associated with that for a long time, I’ve also been the what you’d say, the go to guy for knee and quad injuries, so I know a thing or 2 about these kind of things’ He didn’t sound like he was being patronising, but Miguel let him continue ‘But as you know I’ve worked on some of the top athletes in the world, I’ve worked with some of the best footballers ever to play the game, I’ve worked on people who have been in serious car accidents, but I want you to know, the condition your knee was in when I first met you was one of the worst I’ve ever seen’
Miguel was speechless, ‘How, why, I can’t understand’
‘I know, it was just a bad tackle, but I don’t think you’ve ever been aware, but you have the worse case of osteoarthritis in your knee I’ve ever seen, and that is what caused a great deal of the extensive damage in your leg. It may be hard to say, but it was just a matter of time before something like this happened, you could’ve fallen over at a young age, say 14 and had this happen and you may never have played football at all, but to say you’ve had nearly 16 years in the game, it is quite remarkable. When I first repaired your knee, I had said all along the main goal is walking and running again, I said you’d be out for a year, but 7 months later you were running, swimming and in the gym, I thought to myself my diagnosis was wrong first the first time in my 30 years as a medic, but this second injury like I say is just bad luck’
He knew deep down it was over, he’d known a long time ago but the thought of getting to play again is what kept him going. It wasn’t the hours spent in a hospital bed that was the worse, the pain wasn’t even the worse thing, but the mental anguish of knowing not being able to play again was the worse thing, being alone with your own thoughts was the hardest part of it all. When the doctor told him what he already knew, it wasn’t that hard to accept.
The doctor continued ‘It is always my ultimate goal to get you in a position to live a normal life again, and as part of that I have a duty of care to try and get you back on your feet. You won’t have realised but during our conversations I was asking you questions about how you approached football matches, what you think worked and didn’t and even me, as someone who only supports football and not invested as a manger…’
‘Who do you support, don’t think I’ve asked you Miguel interrupted
‘It doesn’t matter, the thing is I could see how passionate you are about the game, I could see it in you that you knew about tactics, positioning, and you said something to me that made me know how I could help you’
‘Oh really, what was that’
‘You said to me that when people watch a game of football, whether on TV or in the ground, they watch the ball, even a lot of players do as well, but coaches watch the game not the ball, and that got me thinking that you really know about football, that’s why I got my friend to get in touch and come visit you’
‘I still can’t believe him of all people came to see me!’
‘Haha I understand, we’ve kept in touch ever since I worked on his knee, oh must be 13 years ago now, anyway if he can help you with the next step of your career, then my job as a medic has been done’
The conversation really picked Miguel up, and from then on he knew what to do. The medic had spoken to Miguel at around 8pm Lisbon time, he didn’t know where his new friend was but he thought to contact him in the morning, so at 9.23AM the next morning he rang and was greeted with a very positive person on the other end of the phone
‘Miguel, how are you my friend?’
‘Better, all things considered’
‘Don’t beat yourself up about it, like I said to you when I met you, I’m here for you and I’m happy you’ve called me’
‘Thanks, for someone like you to be in my corner and helping me, it’s unreal it really is, I just want to ask, when can I sign up to your coaching course, I’ve decided to take you up on your offer?’
‘That’s the spirit, I’m actually flying there this afternoon, and you should come with me’
‘There’s no way I can get a flight that soon..’
‘No, no no I mean I’m flying out on my personal plane, you can come with me, and you don’t need to buy a ticket’
‘Wow really? That’s wow’ he really was speechless.
‘It’s settled then, I’ll message you the flight details, just bring some clothes, we’ll be there a few days, and don’t worry about accommodation, we’ll sort that when we get there’ The man finished and the call ended.
The next couple of hours Miguel spent getting his things ready, he’d asked Leonor to get some stuff from his flat, passport, clothes that kind of thing, and then when he was ready Leonor helped him to the entrance of the hospital, where a car was waiting to take him to the airport
‘Where is it you’re going exactly?’
‘You know, I’m not sure, he just said we’re flying out on his private plane and we leave this afternoon’
‘And you’re sure it’s him?’
‘Of course, remember I’ve met him he came to the hospital to see me’
‘I just think it’s too good to be true, I don’t know much about football but I know who he is, and he’s still kind of a big deal isn’t he’
‘Yeah, I know it’s a bit surreal, but I’m sure it’s all fine, and look spending some one on one time with him is going to help me isn’t it, if I’m to get anywhere in the next step of my career I need all the advice I can get’
With that he got into the car, a black SUV that looks like something Donald Trump would travel in
‘Ola amigo, coma estas?’ the driver said
Luckily, Miguel speaks Spanish ‘Buenos dias amigo, sabes a donde va el veulo?’
‘Si senior, Ankara.’
‘Turquia?!?’
‘Si, estas listo?
‘Si’
So the flight was headed to Turkey, Miguel was surprised, he thought it may be somewhere else in Portugal,
or even Spain, but Turkey? He’d never been to Turkey before, but he was excited to see what the next few days were going to bring.
You are reading "Living the nightmare".
