Pampalona

 The Osasuna and Team Melli player who has been on the long term injury list , is on his way to full recovery .

Masoud Shojaei-Soleimani missed nearly a whole season and a half after has suffered an injury that refused to heal and took much longer than anticipated.

The Iranian midfielder whose career was held in balance at Osasuna , declared on Thursday at a press conference in Nakhonar “I am currently in good physical condition. But still not 100% but so much better than before.  In every practice and every game, my confidence & condition are getting better. Fortunately, I do not feel any pain or discomfort in my feet, but I need to take it step by step to reach the ideal conditions.”

He added ” I have lost weight and I am a bit lighter that before my injury , that is normal  after a long injury. I needs to have some time to go back to its ideal physical condition.”

Masoud Shojaei , who was sidelined due to finger fracture in his left foot and was 15 months away from the football, pointed out that “During the time of my recuperation ,  I did not have any thoughts of saying goodbye to football, , but sometimes it was too frustrating,  especially when I was told at San Miguel clinic that I needed to have yet another surgery on my feet. While I was waiting for the medical staff to tell me that I am ready to return to the football fields. That news was devastating”

During his long term injury , Shojaei said that he really felt that the club was supporting him and that feeling was quite valuable to him. At no stage he felt abandoned or forgotten by Osasuna club and his teammates. He said at that time he did not feel homesick because he felt home here in Pampalona.  ” I received all kinds of support. I can only thank everyone.I love them, I do not know how to respond to their kindness.”

Masoud Shojaei commenting on his first game for Osasuna after returning to the field, said he loved it but it was a very slow start. I did play bad because I wanted to do things calmly, but my coach encouraged me and comforted me after that no so good of a display. I am quite excited for a new season at Osasuna in the La Liga to begin and I want to prove myself.