Aston Villa FC

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Bouma admits to tough times

02 Jul 2009 - 06:59:45

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Aston Villa defender Wilfred Bouma has admitted to some tough times during his recovery from a long-term ankle injury.

The 31-year-old Netherlands international has not featured for almost a year, having at one point looked like getting back on to the pitch before the end of last season.

Bouma told the club's official website: "The first eight months after the injury were fine because I realised the magnitude of the problem and the approximate timeframe.

"I understood that and could deal with it, no problem. But the last two months were mentally tough.

"I had returned to action with the reserves and then it became obvious I needed another operation. That was hard to take.

"But I always say to myself that difficult incidents in your life make you stronger, so this whole time in my professional life will make me stronger."