"Football, for me, is like breathing. Imagine you can't breathe for two years?"

Those were the words of Dejan Kulusevski after he made his first appearance in 526 days in Tottenham's 3-1 win over Coventry City on Monday.

The 26-year-old first suffered what was described as a "knock" in May 2025, but subsequently endured a hellish recovery which featured patella surgery, a second procedure and multiple setbacks.

However, he was given a hero's reception when he was introduced as a late substitute on his long-awaited return.

"Everything feels great. I have been working harder than you can ever imagine," Kulusevski said.

"The journey felt impossible. It was the most difficult it could be, but I had a feeling I was going to come back to play football. I just had to believe and that is what I did.

"I had to tell my closest ones it might not work out, just a couple of months ago, but in my heart, I always knew it would work out.

"I kept working - 10 hours every day when no-one is watching - so when everything was impossible and everyone gave up, I never gave up.

"It has been an amazing journey, even if it is hard sometimes. Hard is beautiful and I am so grateful that I had to experience it."

Kulusevski's return coincided with Tottenham's first win of the season, and he believes this could mark a fresh start for him and the club.

"I am so grateful that [fans] missed me playing. It means a lot and I am here to show them a better me. And a better me will be a better Spurs so we will be good," he added.

"It was amazing. It was more emotional I think this morning. It was a beautiful day and I'm so happy we won.

"Now I am ready to play football. I see myself a little different now. I think I am a different man now. Same guy, same guy that wants to play football, but a little bit smarter.

"I was not [nervous]. I was ready to play and it was fun."