# Dejan Kulusevski Reveals Retirement Thoughts During Long Injury Layoff The Tottenham star contemplated leaving professional football for family life during his recovery. - **Source:** [SVT Nyheter](https://www.svt.se/nyheter) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b4d66153-e703-47d7-a289-c7e4f0abb713 ## Severe Injury Impact Dejan Kulusevski endured a challenging period marked by a 526-day absence from competitive football due to persistent injuries. The physical toll was so significant that he struggled with basic movements like climbing stairs. This prolonged recovery cycle forced the 26-year-old winger to seriously contemplate a life completely away from professional sports. ## Escape to Island Life During the peak of his physical struggle, Kulusevski envisioned an alternative future far from the pitch. He considered moving to an island to focus entirely on his family. He credited his daughter as a primary source of stability, noting that without her presence, he would have felt completely lost during his rehabilitation. ## Preparing for Retirement The pain became so overwhelming during the summer that Kulusevski doubted his professional future. Despite training ten hours daily, he saw no improvement in his condition. He reached a point where he accepted the possibility that his career might be over, leading him to prepare his family for the potential early retirement. ## Family Support System Kulusevski shared his bleak outlook with his mother to manage expectations within his family circle. His mother responded with unconditional support, emphasizing that their love for him remained independent of his football career. This emotional validation helped him navigate the psychological burden of suffering while attempting to return to elite performance levels. ## Turning Point Recovery The narrative shifted when his physical condition finally began to improve after months of stagnation. This progress provided the mental clarity needed to believe in a successful comeback. He transitioned from accepting a career-ending injury to feeling confident that he would overcome the physical obstacles that had previously hindered his daily life. ## National Team Return Kulusevski has officially rejoined the Swedish national team, marking his return nearly two years after his last appearance in the blue and yellow jersey. He is currently integrating back into the squad, balancing his personal desire for maximum playing time with the reality of his gradual return to full match fitness levels. ## Managing Match Expectations The Tottenham star acknowledges the challenge of managing his own impatience regarding playing time. Having recently played 25 minutes for his club, he understands the necessity of patience. Whether he receives 20 minutes or more on the pitch, he is focused on contributing effectively while navigating the physical demands of international competition. ## Upcoming Nations League Sweden faces Bosnia and Herzegovina this Saturday in a crucial Nations League group final. Following this fixture, the team will travel to Poland for their final match of the current campaign. Kulusevski remains a key figure in these high-stakes encounters as he continues his reintegration into competitive international football matches. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.svt.se/sport/fotboll/kulusevskis-ovantade-flyktplan-under-morka-tiden-flytta-till-en-o — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._