Source: Team_Talk
Sidibe: Career was in balance
Stoke striker Mamady Sidibe has revealed he feared his career was over after rupturing an Achilles for a second time in February.[LNB] The 31-year-old had been pushing for a return almost six months after first snapping the tendon when he suffered a major setback in his recovery earlier this year.[LNB]Now, more than 13 months after his last first-team appearance, the Mali international played for the reserves last week and is hoping to reclaim a place in Tony Pulis' side soon.[LNB]Sidibe told the club's website: "When I did it the second time I didn't know what was going to happen.[LNB]"It is very rare to do the Achilles twice.[LNB]"The operation was bigger and I was in doubt if I was going to play again.[LNB]"It was really difficult but I kept working with the physio and did a lot of work to give me the confidence I could play again.[LNB]"Now everything is starting to get back to normal and I am really happy."[LNB]Pulis maintained faith in the forward throughout his troubles and named him in his 25-man Premier League squad for this season.[LNB]The former Swansea and Gillingham forward, who has set no target date for a first-team comeback, added: "That is a very big boost. The gaffer has been great with me since I have been at the club.[LNB]"I could just say 'thank you' to him but the only but the only way I can thank him is to play well when he calls me to play.[LNB]"That is the only thing I can do but it is very good to be in the squad."
