‘I don’t think I can play anymore’ – Dejan Kulusevski opens up on Tottenham injury nightmare

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has revealed he feared his career was over after suffering a serious knee injury in May 2025. In an interview on the club's SPURSPLAY platform, the 26-year-old explained that he had even prepared his mother for the possibility of retirement after undergoing surgery on his right patella and damaging cartilage. The Sweden international subsequently endured a difficult 17-month spell on the sidelines.

Kulusevski cited missing the Europa League final celebrations in Bilbao as one of the hardest moments of his life. After completing rehabilitation in Sweden supported by his wife Eldina, he finally made his competitive comeback as a substitute in Tottenham's 3-1 win against Coventry City on October 19. Manager Roberto De Zerbi praised Kulusevski's character and fighting spirit throughout his recovery.