FIRST TEAM
09/26/2013

Boris' parents talk about hard work and good progress

This Saturday marks one year since Boris Vukcevic's terrible car accident. Boris' parents were guests at the TSG training centre earlier this week. As part of their visit, Sonja and Dragan Vukcevic talked openly and in detail for the first time about how their lives have changed in the past year. They talk about the progress that Boris has made towards his return to a normal life.

You have probably heard the question, how is Boris, a thousand times already in the past year. How are you?

The accident and the aftermath have certainly left their mark, but we're optimistic and thankful for the encouragement we have received.

How have your family's lives been affected by September 28th 2012?

Nothing is as it was. We have had to adjust our lives to be there for Boris. There was and still are many things that have to be arranged. But it's getting better and we're overjoyed by the support that we have received from many sources, most of all the club and the fans.

Nevertheless, how is your son?

Given the circumstances, Boris is well. He is in good spirits, highly motivated and is making good progress. But you can't forget that he has suffered a very serious injury and the road to recovery is still a very long one for him.

He has said that the time is not quite right for him to go public. What is still missing in order for him to make that difficult step?

That's something he has to decide for himself. It is possible that he could go to the stadium in as soon as two weeks, but it could still take a while. We'll leave that up to him. He still has to process everything. On top of that, Boris isn't just a footballer, he's a human being. He has the right to his privacy and we're pleased that it has been respected so far.

In December, Boris came to us to thank the club and the fans for their support and asked that he is given “the necessary time and peace to find his way back to his normal life.” There have still been no images that have shown Boris after his accident. How difficult was it to shield him from that happening?

From the beginning, we have relied on our feelings and the experts at the club in that regard. That has worked well so far. We know about the public interest, but we're also grateful that people respect our position.

What is his rehabilitation and his everyday routine like?

We don't want to go into the individual details. What we can say is that he works hard and is full of confidence every day. His therapists and doctors are pleased with his progress. They are steps back towards a normal life.

Boris remains a part of the official TSG squad. What are his thoughts on that?

He is very proud to have the club and players stick by him. It gives him courage and helps him along the way.

Is it already clear whether he will be able to play sport at a high level ever again?

No, that's not something we can answer at the moment. It's too early to make a serious prognosis.

How close has the contact been with the club? Who has visited him so far?

Manager Markus Gisdol visited him a few weeks ago. Several players and club officials have also come by, so the contact is pretty regular. He's on the phone now and again, but also with friends that have nothing to do with football.

He no doubt watches Hoffenheim's matches on television, or has he become distant from professional football now – because there are more important things?

Of course a certain distance has emerged after a year. There are other things in the day for Boris to worry about, but he's still right behind the team every weekend. He was over the moon when Markus Gisdol turned the team's fortunes around last season. That was a really special experience for him, and for us.

What will your son do on Saturday?

We've not talked about it yet. There's certain to be a few things that will remind us of the events that happened a year ago. But it's the reality that we face up to. It's good that there's a game on. I'm sure that Boris will want to watch it on television. And when he's ready, he will certainly be cheering them on in the stadium.

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