There was an emotional moment for Simon Kjaer in the closing stages of AC Milan’s 2-0 friendly win over Marseille as he made his return to the field after a long absence.
Eight months after the serious knee ligament injury he suffered against Genoa, Kjaer got his first taste of proper game time as he played for a few minutes to close out the game against Marseille, and he did so with a smile on his face.
At the end of the game, the Danish centre-back spoke to Milan TV to reflect on his return, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“I’m really happy. Eight months ago… It was a very long journey but also fun in a few months, then to come back with the team after suffering eight months: I’m happy to be here with my teammates. Now there is only to grow, both with the team and with personal work,” he said.
How are you feeling right now?
“I’m fine. Obviously I miss the rhythm of the game, that you can do anything you want in training but games are another thing. Now I need to play, but always with my head.”
On the game against Marseille…
“The team looked good today, against an opponent who is still strong, who has a lot of quality and plays as one like Atalanta or Verona. Our departments have done well, we are growing physically. We are at a good point, then as we said last year we work every day to grow. We had a good training today, a good match against a strong opponent.”
On keeping yet another clean sheet…
“It is important to say that those in front are doing an extraordinary job with pressing. If there is that pressure in the front, it is a great advantage for us behind. If there isn’t that pressing then with the quality of the opponents we meet, the others score goals. We are working on the defensive phase with the whole team. High line but we are also compact, from that point of view we are very well.”
Really happy to see Simon back on the field!
Kjaer’s Italian is very good!