Former Premier League star Gerard Deulofeu calls for action after mystery injury puts career in jeopardy
Former Premier League star Gerard Deulofeu has called for major changes to protect players amid his injury problems.
He spanish winger could be forced into early retirement at the age of 29 due to a mystery injury that has left physiotherapists baffled.
The winger has not played since January 2023 and has undergone three knee surgeries in an attempt to save his career.
but the first WatfordEdit The star may have already played his last game as he is not recovering from his setbacks.
And then Brighton Striker Kaoru Mitoma was ruled out for the remainder of the season, Deulofeu has spoken out about the need for a change.
He responded emphatically on social media site X to the news, writing: “WE HAVE TO PROTECT THE PLAYERS.”
Mitoma suffered a back injury after missing Brighton's 1-1 draw against Everton on Saturday.
“It's a big problem. I think in two or three months the season is over,” Seagulls manager Roberto de Zerbi said ahead of Wednesday's FA Cup clash against Wolves.
“It's the back injury that kept him out of the game against Everton.”
Deulofeu has received an outpouring of supporters after going public with his struggles in the physiotherapy room over the past 13 months.
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The Spaniard has already admitted that he has been making plans for life after football as he tries to come to terms with his situation.
Speaking on the Jijantes Twitch channel via Calciomercato.com, Deulofeu said: “I have known for several months that maybe I will not play again.
“I haven't been able to do what I love for a long time, I haven't played for over a year. I can't say much, but I'm going through a tough experience.
“You can't imagine what I'm going through. I'm trying to recover in every way, but I've accepted the idea that I may never recover.
“I had an injury in 2020, my knee was very traumatized, but I managed to recover. Then I suffered another injury, for the third time and there were complications.
“I can't say much because I have an agreement with my club, but I will only say that it is a real ordeal, you can't imagine what is happening to me.
“However, I am trying to recover in every way. But I am also preparing for what could be a post-playing career.”
Deulofeu first came to the Premier League with Everton in 2015 from Barcelonawhere he played for two years before being loaned to AC Milan and a return of Barça.
Watford then snapped up the winger in 2018, initially on loan before the transfer was made permanent, and he is well remembered by Hornets fans before joining Udinese in 2020.
