Djordje Ivanovic back in training

Four days ahead of season`s restart, Djordje Ivanovic is gradually stepping up his training regime. He missed full traininf in Turkey camp due to Achilles injury.

We spoke to Partizan attacking midfielder about his injury and return to the pitch:

-I sustained injury at the beginning of winter preps. Due to bad weather conditions we switched our training to artificial grass pitch and It didn`t suit me. Unfortunately, these things happen but I didn`t believe I`ll be sidelined for so long. Achillies injury can keep you away from training for several weeks, says Ivanovic.

You trained individually in Turkey.

-Every day I hoped I`m gonna start running the next day but it didn`t happen. I spent Turkey preps in swimming pool, in the gym and riding a bike. I didn`t miss a single training session and worked twice a day in gym as agreed with club doctor and physios.

How was in for you mentally to work on your own?

-So hard! In whole of my career, I never paused for so long running-wise. Moreover, I found it really hard not playing friendlies.

It`s been 12 months since you signed for Partizan.

-I can only praise this club and players. We won the cup but we failed to win championship title. I hope we`ll battle to the very end to win it this season.

Young Partizan right-back Cucin is loaned to your previous club Spartak Subotica.

-I`m glad he made such a move as Spartak is household name, extremely organized club. People there are great working with young players, so he was not wrong to go there.

There were rumours of your move during winter transfer window.

-That`s true, but I wanted to stay in Partizan as I believe there is so much more I can prove.

What are your training sessions now like?

-I started running gradually and I hope I`ll be able to join my teammates and regular training soon.

Season restarts next weekend. What are your expectations?

-I kknow we`ll play better compared to first part of the season, we`ll prove it in a derby game!