Milan defender Simon Kjaer looks back over an extraordinary 2021, from helping to save Christian Eriksen’s life to Ballon d’Or nomination and the ‘first serious injury of my career.’
The Danish international defender saw his season come to an abrupt end when tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during the opening minutes of the 3-0 win over Genoa on December 1.
He had surgery and is not expected back on the pitch until June.
The 32-year-old sat down with Milan TV to discuss the situation and looking ahead to the future.
“I feel good. Unfortunately, I had a serious injury. It takes time and patience.
“I don’t post a lot on social media, I live y life with my family, but now I have the chance to thank everyone for their messages.
“My goal now is to work hard and get back.”
It has been a remarkably difficult few months for Kjaer, who was lauded for his quick thinking and actions to help save Christian Eriksen during a cardiac arrest at EURO 2020.
“Anything can happen in football, 2021 has been a year where… with what happened to my friend at the Euros, going to the Ballon d’Or for the first time as a nominee and then the first really bad injury of my career.
“It’s an opportunity to think a bit and work on different parts of my body, which I haven’t had the chance to do so far.
“This injury was not what I wanted, of course, but it happened and now it gives me the opportunity to work on several things.
“I received plenty of messages from people that I didn’t know. It’s been a source of great pride. Like Inter, they showed that we are rivals, but when things like this happen, we are human.
“I thank them, but they know that when I get back, I won’t make any concessions against them!”
🗣️ “My goal now is to work hard and be back”@simonkjaer1989‘s motivation in his interview to our thematic channel
🗣️ “L’obiettivo è lavorare tanto per tornare più forte”
Le parole di un motivato Kjær a Milan TV#SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/mJxcfdv2jM— AC Milan (@acmilan) December 20, 2021