The Sweden international came on as a late substitute in Monday’s 3-1 victory over Coventry City, making his first appearance since suffering a serious knee injury against Crystal Palace in May 2025. His return came on a night when Tottenham secured their first Premier League win of the season.
“The journey felt impossible,” Kulusevski said. “It was the most difficult it could be, but I had a feeling I was going to come back to play football. I just had to believe and that is what I do.
“I had to tell my closest ones it might not work out, just a couple of months ago. But in my heart, I always knew it would work out. I kept working. For 10 hours every day when no one is watching.”
The 26-year-old’s recovery was complicated by persistent pain after his initial operation. He returned to training several months later but continued to struggle, underwent further treatment and eventually required another operation in March.
Kulusevski said the experience tested him in ways that extended beyond football.
“Imagine when everyone gives up on you. And football for me is like breathing. Imagine you can’t breathe for two years but still you have a family, so you show up, you do it with a smile, you go with your team-mates, you hype them up and that takes a lot of love, a lot of courage and a lot of belief. That is what I had to practise.
“So, when everything was impossible and everyone gave up, I never gave up.”
His Christian faith also played a significant role in helping him through the difficult periods.
“God, he gives me all the power,” he said. “I can’t take credit for what I’ve done because I haven’t done it alone. Every day he has been doing it for me.
“I will tell everyone about the journey. It has been an amazing journey even if it was hard sometimes. Hard is beautiful and I am so grateful that I had to experience it.
“Now I am ready to play football. I see myself a little different now. I think I am a different man now. Same guy, same guy that wants to play football but a little bit smarter.”
Tottenham supporters gave Kulusevski a warm reception when he replaced Mohamed Kudus late in the win over Coventry. He said their response meant a great deal after such a long period away.
“I am so grateful that they miss me play,” he said. “It means a lot and I am here to show them a better me. And a better me will be a better Spurs so we will be good.”
The winger had trained with the squad and played in an internal practice match earlier in October before being named among the substitutes against Coventry. He admitted he was more emotional earlier in the day than he was when he finally stepped onto the pitch.
“I was more emotional in the morning,” Kulusevski said. “I wasn’t nervous. I was ready to play those 10 minutes and make a good impact. It was amazing. It was fun. A beautiful day and I’m so happy we won.”
For Tottenham, his return provides a welcome boost after a difficult start to the season. For Kulusevski, the immediate priority is to build his fitness and make the most of the opportunity he fought so hard to regain.