Livramento: It's a real milestone
After 392 days, Southampton's Tino Livramento made his long-awaited return from injury on Sunday as a second half substitute during the defeat at Brighton.
The 20-year-old's long road to recovery finally came full circle on Sunday, over a year on from suffering an ACL injury at the same ground in April of last season.
Livramento was introduced from the bench at AMEX stadium during the second half, greeted by a rapturous applause and the familiar tones of his personalised chant from the away following.
Despite his side losing 3-1 during a difficult afternoon on the south coast, the young full-back labelled Sunday's game a 'milestone' as he reacted to be being back on the field.
'It’s a massive moment for me, for my family, for the people that have worked on me for the however many days or months it’s been," said Livramento. "It’s been a very long time.
"It’s almost like everything coming together. Rubén, the manager, said it’s like everything has come full circle, coming back to where it happened.
"It’s been very difficult [over the last 18 months]. I’ve had a few setbacks with the main injury I had. It’s not nice but when you’ve got a strong team and great physios, I can’t speak highly enough of them.
"Without them I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am now. I’m happy that I can now repay them by showing their hard work has paid off. I’m a footballer again!
"The fans have stuck with me throughout it all. I remember when I got injured the fans were waiting outside still chanting my name when I was in a wheelchair! To come here today, it gives you goosebumps when you hear the support.
"It’s a joy to always play in front of them, it always has been and it always will be."
