Last month Everton and Republic of Ireland footballer suffered a major double break in his leg that seen him ruled out for the rest of the season, and now a month on from the horrific injury the fullback has spoken about his rehabilitation process.
Coleman who suffered the agonising break in last month’s World Cup qualified with Wales has said he is feeling more positive than ever after he received great messages of support from fans and fellow professionals alike.
Speaking in an interview on Everton FC’s website the Irish fullback said he is more determined than ever to get back playing once again.
An optimistic Coleman said: “I’ve had tough journeys before in the past.”
“It hasn’t been a smooth journey to play for Everton and to captain my country. I’m a fighter and there’s a part of me that’s looking forward to this challenge. It’s something to start all over again and fight for.”
“I’m really enjoying it and looking forward to the challenge ahead because it’s going to be tough but I’ve had tough journeys before and this is just another one.”
Coleman who also revealed that he has begun his rehab this week by undertaking ‘small exercises’ in the gym and aqua-jogging, said he enjoyed getting to spend a month at home with his family and paid tribute to the support he has received, including visits from Ireland manager Martin O’Neill and Everton boss Ronald Koeman.
Coleman explained: “The manager came over to see me with Jags and a couple of staff members. Martin O’Neill came over to see me as well, so the support has been brilliant.”
“I can’t emphasise enough the Irish players coming to visit me in hospital for the first few days and then all the messages from the lads back here.”
The 28-year-old also thanked the public for their support, saying: “I’m not on social media. It was tempting to go back on to thank everyone but I thought I’d wait to come back here to do the interview and just to say thank you for the support I’ve had from the two management teams, from the doctors, the surgeons and all the fans back home and here.”
“Until something like this happens you don’t always realise how fortunate you are to play for this club, to play for the national team and to have all that support behind me.”
“Every little card meant so much to me and my family. All those well-wishes will get me through this tough period because people have gone out of their way to send cards, to send prayers and it definitely gets you through it.”
“I couldn’t possibly thank everyone because there’s too many but everyone has played their part so far and it’s my job now to do the rest and get back on that pitch.”