Algeria international midfielder Nabil Bentaleb has expressed his joy after being cleared to play football again following cardiac arrest.
Bentaleb made a triumphant return to action after almost a year absence due to cardiac arrest. The former Tottenham Hotspurs midfielder registered his name on the scoresheet as Lille cruised to a 2-0 win over Rennes in the top-flight on Sunday.
The 30-year-old Algerian midfielder found the net just four minutes after his introduction into the crucial match.
Bentaleb suffered cardiac arrest back in July 2024 during a five-a-side match with friends.
His career as a footballer took a nosedive due to the setback. After several months of inactive football, the enterprising midfielder made a return to the field, helping Lille to secure victory over their opponent in a highly competitive clash.
Early last week, he was given the green light to resume his playing career and on Thursday, he finally made a return to first-team training.
“I didn’t believe it. I had the impression that it wasn’t real. But it was a long-term job for the whole team. Having this green light was a relief and something that allows us to plan and move forward.”
“When I saw my teammates, it motivated me and I started playing sports again. Being away from the field, not knowing if you’ll be able to start again or not, if you’ll still be part of a team or not… That’s what hurt me and what motivated me.”
It was his first goal for the club since joining in the summer of 2023 from Angers and it is a goal that will not be forgotten any time soon, especially not by Bentaleb.
