Eight months after suffering a cardiac arrest, Nabil Bentaleb is finally ready to step back onto the pitch.
The 30-year-old Algerian midfielder has been given the green light to resume competition, marking a major milestone in his remarkable recovery.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the Lille OSC star couldn’t hide his emotions.
“I did not believe it. I had waited so much for that moment that I had the impression that it was not real. It was a long-term job, of the whole LOSC medical team and doctors… Lands and competition,” said the former Tottenham player.
Bentaleb also addressed any lingering concerns about returning to top-level football.
“Fears of replaying at the high level? I passed this stage. I think that zero risk does not exist. Now I am aware of what has happened, I have worked a lot since eight months, I spent a lot of tests, evaluations. … I hope to replay soon, but this decision belongs to my coach.”
