Bournemouth winger Max Gradel keen to repay Eddie Howe's faith
Monday 29 February 2016 12:52, UK
Bournemouth winger Max Gradel has vowed to repay manager Eddie Howe for allowing him to recover from a knee injury in his native Ivory Coast.
The 28-year-old joined from French side Saint-Etienne during the summer but played just four games before rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in August.
Gradel returned from a six-month lay-off when he came off the bench in Saturday's goalless draw at Watford, a result that leaves the Cherries five points clear of the relegation zone ahead of Tuesday's game with south coast rivals Southampton.
Former Leeds player Gradel is keen to make up for lost time by helping Bournemouth retain their Premier League status and in doing so show his gratitude to Howe's trust in him.
"When I came back this month people were surprised to see me," said Gradel.
"People didn't expect me to train and then when he [Howe] saw me I looked good. I was ready to play.
"When someone trusts you, you cannot let them down. I showed him he did the right thing by trusting me and letting me go home and today the result is I'm back to carry on.
"I'm going to give something new and bring some energy to the team. It's down to us and everybody together in the last [11] games. Hopefully we're going to have a good end to the season."
Only a fine save by Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes prevented Gradel from returning to action in style by scoring the winner at Vicarage Road and he acknowledged how tough his fitness battle had been.
"It has been hard with the injury," Gradel added. "Six months is very hard to take.
"Sometimes you just want to give up but then when you see the support you get from the fans, like I received, you cannot give up."
