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Rangers midfielder Steven Davis admitted he had no idea he would ever play professional ball again.
The 38-year-old Northern Ireland international suffered a second ACL tear before Christmas and will be on the sidelines for at least six months.
But Davis refused to let the injury force him to retire.
“I have to be realistic, it’s a big injury and it’s going to take a long time to come back,” Davis said. BBC Northern Ireland.
Davis suffered a second ACL tear before Christmas
“At my age and at the stage of my career, I know it will be difficult, but I am always a very fit person, so I have to stay in shape and give myself the best chance. [of playing again].
“I haven’t made a decision about moving forward, I’m just going to focus on ‘rehabbing’ to the best of my ability and stay focused. I don’t want this to be a defining moment that ends my career.”
Davis is the most capped English footballer of all time, but he has little hope of adding to his 140 international appearances. He also wants to play for Rangers again, although his contract with the Ibrox side expires this summer.
“Everyone knows how important it is to me to play for Northern Ireland, the relationship with the fans and the country throughout my career,” he said.
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Rangers manager Michael Beale said he still has plans for Davis and expects him to be able to return after recovering from surgery on a knee injury.
“The prospect of pulling on the green shirt again, and the Rangers shirt, is a driving factor for me, although I know it will be a long and difficult road.
“If the rehab goes well, I may have the opportunity to participate in some international matches later this year, but before that it is better to be in the squad, part of the camp to change the scenery and add something to the group and be one of them.”
Davis underwent surgery last month and found the early stages of rehabilitation mentally challenging. He plans to pick up his coaching badge this year as he opens up after playing.
“The last few weeks have been slow, but I have to try and show patience and this is an opportunity for me to learn and grow as a person,” he said.
Allan McGregor (left) and Davis signed new one-year deals at Rangers in the summer
“I haven’t had a real long-term injury in my career, so I’m grateful in a sense but it’s frustrating because at my age you don’t know how long you’ve left football as a player and you want to maximize the time you’ve left.
“Mentally, it’s harder than I thought it would be, going in every day and not seeing my progress every day.
“You have to hit a certain target when you’re running, divide it into five or six phases a week, tick a box and then move on to the next phase.
“I’m still in the initial phase, reduce the swelling and the range back in the leg, evaluate things as we go.
“It’s hard to watch a game, knowing that you’re not going to get another chance, but I’m really keen to try and get back.
“It gives me time to get away from it too, whether it’s looking for coaching or doing something outside, make the most of the time. I still have to do the coaching badge. year.”
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