U23
11/23/2016

Danilo Soares‘ long road back

Danilo Soares is gradually nearing making his comeback towards professional football. “I am still a little way from making my return,” knows the 25-year-old Brazilian. “But I am working hard for that and am very grateful to TSG Hoffenheim for giving me the opportunity to realise my dream in these incredibly professional conditions.”

The left-footer has been working in TSG’s rehabilitation facilities since the beginning of October and the first signs of success have started to appear. “The toe I had my operation on isn’t causing me any problems now,” Soares said. But that is only the first step. Soares is lacking in match fitness since he has not featured in a competitive game since December 2015 with FC Ingolstadt against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Moreover, he must wait to see how his body reacts to taking part in a proper training session again.

Since this can only be tested under real conditions, Hoffenheim will provide the Hoffenheim man with a performance-based contract, which will allow him to train with the U23s squad, who play in the Regionalliga. Soares is hoping to take the next step towards returning to professional football under the management of coach Marco Wildersinn and his coaching team.

“Danilo is a great character and is without question a gifted footballer. We had a discussion specifically about his obligations around a year ago and have remained in contact with him through. Nobody knows whether and when he will get back to his best again but we understand that it is our responsibility in many ways as a club to give Danilo the necessary space and time to work on making his comeback,” said TSG director of football, Alexander Rosen.

The club will observe Soares in order to “make a decision in due course together with him as to what his work is building up to,” added Rosen, who described the situation around Soares as “very exciting for both sides” and also said that he sees it as “a very big chance with a very small risk.”

 

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