Spurs midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has opened up on his return to action for Tottenham after spending over 500 days on the sidelines.Tottenham Hotspur’s clash against Coventry City marked Dejan Kulusevski’s first match in 526 days following a severe injury sustained in May 2025 against Crystal Palace after a challenge from former Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.What was initially thought to be a minor issue quickly developed into a major setback, with Kulusevski requiring surgery on his patella.A timeline of around seven months was initially set, but further complications and another surgery meant the Swede spent over a year sidelined as he worked his way back to full fitness.Returning in such strong physical shape after such a lengthy absence is no easy feat, but Kulusevski has managed exactly that.Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty ImagesDejan Kulusevski reflects on his Tottenham recovery journeyThe Swede made his return against Coventry, coming on in the 85th minute to replace Mohammed Kudus. With eight minutes of added time, he played for more than 10 minutes, completing several sprints and helping Spurs push forward following defensive clearances.His pace and freedom of movement will have delighted the Tottenham faithful, who welcomed him back with enormous cheers.Speaking to AA Spor, Kulusevski opened up on his recovery: “It felt impossible so it was the most difficult it can be, but I had a feeling I was going to come back and play football so I just had to believe and that is just what I did. “It seemed impossible – I had to tell my closest ones that it might not work out a couple of months ago. But in my heart I always knew it would work out so I kept working. “Of course, ten hours every day when no one is watching, every day in the summer, also when everything was impossible, when everybody gave up, I never gave up. Because of this, that happened today. God gives me all the power, otherwise I cannot take credit for what I have done. I have not done it alone.”⚽ Tottenham'ın Coventry City'yi 3-1 mağlup ederek ligdeki ilk galibiyetini aldığı maçta, İsveçli futbolcu Dejan Kulusevski 526 gün sonra sahalara döndü.🗣️ Dejan Kulusevski: "Her şey imkansız görünürken, herkes vazgeçmişken ben asla vazgeçmedim.” pic.twitter.com/r7WLQxur5Z— AA SPOR (@aa_spor) October 20, 2026Kulusevski also admitted that the injury had shaped him as a person, helping him to see himself differently and making him smarter in the process.He said, as relayed by ESPN Sports: “I will tell everyone about the journey. It has been an amazing journey, even if it has been hard sometimes. Hard is beautiful. “I am so grateful that I had to experience it. Now, I am ready to play football. I see myself as different now. I think that I am a different man. The same guy that wants to play football, but a little bit smarter, so I am happy.”Kulusevski’s return was not the only cause for celebration among the Lilywhites, who also marked their first win of the season with a 3–1 victory over Coventry City.That triumph left the Swede delighted as well. Reflecting on what it felt like to come on for the first time since 2025, he added: “I was locked in, I was ready to play those 10 minutes and make a good impact… It’s amazing. It was more emotional this morning. It’s a beautiful day and I am so happy that we won.”Spurs midfielder Kulusevski sends message to supporters after Coventry returnKulusevski’s return was met with huge cheers from the Tottenham supporters, who were quick to show their appreciation for the attacking midfielder.The Swede later sent a heartfelt message to the fans, thanking them for their support and promising to deliver more goals for the club:“Guys, thank you so much for the support. It has been an unbelievable journey. I love all of you and I am here to make this club better and I will do that, so thank you for the support. I cannot wait to score in front of you and keep playing more football. I love you everyone and… come on you Spurs.”📱 (1) New message from Deki pic.twitter.com/buvFOhd8dy— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 19, 2026READ MORE: Tottenham and Man United lead race for bargain Dion Beljo valued at just £21mThe post ‘It seemed impossible’ – Dejan Kulusevski opens up on his 526-day Tottenham nightmare appeared first on Spurs Web.