Baptistão: I played through the pain, but I gritted my teeth to help the team

UD Almería second striker Léo Baptistão spoke to UDA Radio, the Club's official radio station, a few days after undergoing surgery as a result of the injury he sustained in his left ankle and Achilles tendon. Initially, the operation was scheduled when the season ended, but after suffering a sprain that would keep him on the treatment table for several weeks, it was decided to operate on the player sooner. 

 

'I'm sad about not being able to join with my team-mates in this final stretch,' the 30-year-old said, who also indicated: 'Everything has gone really well, it's been a fast and effective operation.  Orthopaedic surgeons Ripoll and Van Dijk have done a great job and now I'll take my rehab easy.'

 

The recovery period is set at about four months, and on that note, Léo Baptistão stated: 'If everything goes well, I'll miss only a few games at the start of the next season.' Since the middle of the season, the Rojiblanco centre-forward was playing through the pain in his Achilles tendon. He explained the following: 'There were league meetings in which I should've been subbed because it was affecting my performance. I was injured, but I greeted my teeth to help the team.'

 

The Santos native has scored five goals and has given a great assist. His contribution to UD Almería has been paramount with his brilliant performances both in attack and defence. 'After being away from Spain for several years, I knew that it'd be difficult for me to adapt again, even if it doesn't take long. I didn't hesitate to join UD Almería and I'm very happy. Now I hope to recover in the best way thinking about next season,' he said. 

 

Baptistão has also contributed enormously on and off the pitch, especially with the youngest. He reflected: 'The most veterans have to help them,' and positively valued the quality, attitude and bright future of players with the likes of Lázaro or Kaiky.