Diego Ribas had an emotional roller coaster ride of a year in which he suffered the worst injury to his career while his club had a historic season.
His personal setback occurred on July 25 when he suffered a broken left ankle and ligaments in the second round of the Copa Libertadores’ second leg against Emelec. An operation and a long break followed.
“I no longer watched the duel,” he told FIFA.com. “It’s too painful.” But less than 48 hours before he faces Liverpool in the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup Qatar ™ final, the captain of Mengao is at least satisfied with knowing this unfortunate chapter of his career is over.
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“It was really tough because it was a whole new experience for me, the biggest injury to my career,” said the 34-year-old, who sometimes doubted whether he would recover fully. “Yes, there were moments when I wasn’t sure, but there were also some special and really moving moments.” One of those moments came when he put on a pair of soccer shoes for the first time.
“It was hard, but it made it even more special this season,” said the flag skipper with a smile. He returned on time to reach the Brazilian championship and made a decisive contribution to the triumph of the Copa Libertadores after coming on in the 66th minute of the final.
“There are many pictures that will stay with me forever,” he said of the comeback win over River Plate Laughter. Then when we returned to Brazil, there was a welcome party they gave us. We will never forget that and it was worth it. “
About Diego Ribas:
Date and place of birth: 28/02/1985, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
Position: Attacking midfielder
Clubs: Santos, Porto, Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid, Fenerbahce, Flamengo
Honors: Three Brazilian championships, one Spanish championship, one Portuguese championship, one Intercontinental Cup, one Copa Libertadores, one UEFA Europa League, two Copa Americas, and one Olympic bronze medal.
