Abdul Fatawu’s Road to Recovery: Leicester Star Hails Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Support

Abdul Fatawu, a gifted winger for Leicester City, has spoken out about his respect for manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, calling him a father figure and mentor throughout his injury setback. The 21-year-old, who has been out since November due to an ACL injury, attributes his motivation and recuperation focus to his coach.

Fatawu’s Bond with Van Nistelrooy

“Ruud has been like a father to me, He’s always there for me, offering advice and encouragement. He went through the same injury and tells me it made him stronger. He believes the same can happen for me.” Fatawu shared

Despite Leicester’s struggles in the Premier League, van Nistelrooy has played a crucial role in Fatawu’s rehabilitation, ensuring he remains mentally strong. The Ghanaian winger spends up to six hours daily in rehab, aiming to return fully fit for pre-season.

Dreaming of Playing Alongside Vardy

Interestingly, Fatawu admitted he never knew about Leicester before their iconic 2016 Premier League title triumph.

“I used to switch teams if one lost,” he joked. “But we all started hearing about ‘Vardy’ – he was the main man.”

Now sharing a dressing room with the Leicester legend, Fatawu sees it as a dream come true.

“I told Vardy I’m lucky he didn’t retire before I got here! On the pitch, he gives you confidence to play freely. I know I can help him score.”

Eager for a Comeback

Though unlikely to feature this season, Fatawu is confident he’ll be fully ready for the next campaign.

“I don’t feel pain anymore, and my leg feels stronger than before. I’ll be ready from day one of pre-season,” he promised.

[Source: MailSport]