BVB Star Mario Gotze Optimistic Ahead of New Season Following Long-Awaited Return to Action
Mario Gotze finally made his return to action for Borussia Dortmund on Saturday after five months in rehab as a result of a metabolic disorder.
The attacking midfielder has not had a great time of things since returning to Signal Iduna Park last summer from Bayern Munich - he managed just 16 appearances across all competitions before his fitness struggles got the better of him in February.
SAITAMA, JAPAN - JULY 15: Mario Gotze of Borussia Dortmund (L) is tackled by Yosuke Kashiwagi of Urawa Red Diamonds (R) during the preseason friendly match between Urawa Red Diamonds and Borussia Dortmund at Saitama Stadium on July 15, 2017 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)
Atsushi Tomura/GettyImages
The 2014 World Cup match-winner was sidelined for the rest of the season as an unfortunate result of the disorder, but has fought hard to get back playing again, and he made his long-awaited return against Urawa Reds in a 3-2 win in a pre-season friendly at the weekend.
He told Perform, as quoted by Four Four Two magazine: "It has been a superb moment, definitely. I have been in rehab for five months, so I could not train with the team and have not been with the team the last months.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 04: Shinji Kagawa and Mario Goetze of Dortmund are seen after the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig at Signal Iduna Park on February 4, 2017 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Lars Baron/GettyImages
"So this just makes it more beautiful for me to be with the team again and training with them from July onwards.
"I will leave the past behind me and look ahead to the new season, which is important for me and for all players. We are looking forward to it."
