Spanish midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron has spoken about his long-term battle back to fitness.
Deportivo's Valeron resumes light training
Spanish midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron has spoken about his long-term battle back to fitness.
Valeron suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in February 2006, broke down in August 2006 and then made a brief return at the start of 2007 before needing a third operation.
He has since returned to light training with team-mates at Deportivo La Coruna.
Motivational
Speaking of his return, Valeron said: "Although it was only simple exercises that allow you just to have the feeling again, to see the squad and be with them was motivational.
"I have to now continue working hard and be patient."
Despite returning to light training, Valeron, 32, remains philosophical about his future.
"It is still too early to know if will be able to play again or not because I have not done the intensive work that will show if I can compete," he said.
"Things have been said about me returning within ten or 12 months and we have gone from one phase to another depending on how my knee has felt.
Important
"There is still some way to go, but what is important is that things are going well.
"I have had plenty of time to prepare mentally. That is why doing light training with the squad now does not mean anything.
"I know that the most difficult part still lies ahead and that I have to remain calm and see how things progress without setting time limits."
