Svetozar Markovic on the road to recovery

Partizan centre-back had a successful knee surgery at Belgrade`s Atlas Hospital on 26^th of Feb and he showed up at Partizan training centre today to support his teammates. We spoke to young Partizan defender about his recovery and return to the squad:

-Few days after the surgery I left hospital bed and returned home. I made sure not to overwork my knee at first but I started some exercise four days after, says Markovic.

How do you cope with injury?

-The injury occurred when I was in a good form, at the time I`m really supposed to play as much as possible. I`m quite realistic and aware that this can happen to anyone. I`m just thinking about getting back onto the pitch.

Who was around you the most after the surgery?

-My family was there for five or six days after the surgery until I was able to bend my knee gradually.

How`s your recovery going?

-I started doing some exercise four days after the surgery and it wasn`t strenuous. I have my therapy after each exercise. As for pain, I have none whatsoever.

Is it true you are jogging around Ada lake?

-I started running week ago and I should start training with the ball on Wednesday or Thursday. I`m glad to be back at Partizan training camp but I`m not gonna work with the group yet, only individually with our physio.

Did you watch your replacement, young Strahinja Pavlovic,  play?

-Of course I did. He blended in well and I hope he`ll keep his form. I met him on several occasions and we spoke about his performances.

You were in a dressing room with your teammates last Saturday.

-I miss games and training sessions a lot. I cannot wait to play matches again, not to mention my teammates and our dressing room atmosphere.