Radu Dragusin has said it 'felt really good' to be back as he stepped up his recovery with 45 minutes in our Under-21s' behind-closed-doors friendly against Leyton Orient on Wednesday afternoon.
It marked a return to match action for the first time since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the first half against Elfsborg on 30 January in the league phase finale in last season’s UEFA Europa League-winning campaign.
Subsequently undergoing surgery in February, today's lunchtime friendly at Hotspur Way was exactly nine months on from his procedure and an opportune moment for Radu to get some valuable minutes under his belt during the November international break.
Edging ever-closer to making a competitive comeback, the 23-year-old defender – who has been back on the grass in first-team training in recent weeks – was grateful for the opportunity and explained why game-time was an important step up in his recovery.
"Honestly, it felt really good," said the Romania international.
"Getting back out there with the boys, with the Under-21s, they've been great, they've been helping me, so I'm really grateful for this moment.
"It’s different, you can train how much you want, but once you are there in 11v11 on a big pitch, it's different, you can't really replicate it in the training. It’s the details like the sprints back, the adversity, the exposure that you get as a defender, it was a good day.
"It felt good, first minutes in 10 months out, finally minutes in the legs and I just have to build on this."
After experiencing his first serious injury setback and navigating the long road to recovery, Radu revealed what he's learned about himself during his spell on the sidelines and how he believes the time out will only make him stronger as a result.
"I learned to be patient and to never take anything for granted," explained the centre-back.
"Because one day you are on the top of the mountain, next second you are with this kind of injury. This is life, it's only to make me stronger, make me more resilient. I've never given up and things are really close to being back as normal."
Our number three went on to show his gratitude for his team-mates and, in particular, James Maddison who came out especially to watch the defender in action this afternoon. 'Madders' himself is currently in rehabilitation from an ACL injury sustained during pre-season Tour and Radu was full of appreciation for the midfielder's support throughout the journey.
"Honestly everybody, but you know, especially Madders, he was there when I got injured, he always was next to me to give me a laugh in a difficult day," he continued.
"For him to be here next to me, it really meant a lot, because you know, this is how we are here, we are a family, we don't let anyone down in the hard moments, so I'm really grateful to be part of this group."
Great to see you back, Radu.