Pedro León is raring to enjoy his football "and for the fans to enjoy it with me"
The Armeros' midfielder was today declared fit by the club's medical team following a lengthy spell on the sidelines
Pedro León, who was today given the thumbs-up by the club's medical staff following a long absence with a knee injury, is raring to enjoy his football "and for the fans to enjoy it with me".
Speaking to SD Eibar's official media channels, León insisted that "Feeling the fans' support and their desire to see me back out there soon was yet another incentive for me to hard work during my recovery".
"The fans already know what my game is all about. They know what I can and can't offer out on the pitch. I feel physically and mentally really strong, my knee is in perfect condition and I now hope to get back and performing as soon as possible and help the team in whatever way I can".
"I've had a really tough eight months since May. At the end of the day, if you suffer a serious injury, there's no option but to accept it and be aware that you've got a long journey ahead of you. In my case, I couldn't have imagined that it would be such a long road. Initially I was going to be out for eight weeks but that became eight and a half months. It has felt like an eternity. I'm pleased to have got through it all and be feeling good. It has been a long nightmare but the pain that saw me undergo surgery in May has now gone".
In terms of the support that he has received over the course of these months, the Murcia-born midfielder stated "I have to mention my two girls, my son and wife, who went through it all with me". "Nobody would have thought that it would come to this, because it was just a slight bit of pain. Those closest to me have suffered. It would be unfair of me not to also mention everyone else that has supported me: the club, my teammates, all of the club's employees and the coaching staff. I've had a tough time of things, but they really helped me out".
In reference to the team's rehabilitation staff, he revealed that he enjoys an "excellent relationship" with both Alain Gandiaga and Mikel Calvo. "We've spent more time together than any of us would have wanted to. Right from day one we really hit it off, they're two men that you can trust 100% and they're willing to put in all the hours you need. That I was so determined to get back as soon as possible, coupled with the fact that they're so hard-working was what has seen me get through this".
Now that León has returned to fitness, his next challenge is to earn a place in the starting line-up. "If I'm honest, right now I'm not worried about whether there's competition for places or not, for me it's all about enjoying my football because I've had a really rough time. I've had a pretty tough eight months and the last thing that I'm bothered about is whether I'm going to have competition for my place. What really matters is that the team is doing well and that I'm fine. It's now time for me to work hard, make the most of the minutes the coach gives me and help the team out".
When quizzed about the team's performances over the past few months, he insisted that "the side is doing really well, they're enjoying their football. The team has really improved. We didn't get off to a good start and some key players from last season left and the new signings have had to adapt to Mendi's style. There was a period of transition, which is when the team went through a bad patch, until we picked up the gaffer's ideas. In the three years that he has been at the club it has been a joy to watch the team and let's hope that this continues on until the end of the season".