Diakhaby: "I feel like a footballer again. I can't wait to play at Mestalla with the fans" | OneFootball

Valencia CF centre-back Mouctar Diakhaby returned to official action 330 days after suffering a serious injury in March 2024. The defender spoke about his comeback and the entire recovery journey.

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"I'm very happy to be back. It had been a long time since I last played, and it's a joy to be competing again."

In the squad against FC Barcelona

"I didn't know I was going to be called up. I spoke with the coaching staff and medical team, and they gave me the green light to play. I felt proud of the work we had done to get to this point. It was a collective effort with the Club. A week before, Corberán was asking me if I felt ready. When I finally saw my name on the squad list, it was emotional because I had been waiting for that moment every week."

Warm-Up and comeback

"I prepared myself to play. You always have to be ready for anything. I just wanted to enjoy the moment. It had been a really difficult period, and all I could think about was soaking it all in and regaining good sensations. I thought about everything I had been through. It was a joy—I felt like a footballer again. My teammates were really happy for me because they had seen how much I suffered and how hard I worked to come back. Everything turned out well, and now I can focus on helping the team."

Mestalla and the fans

"I've been waiting for this for a long time—to feel the support of the fans who have always stood by the team. I hope they stay with us until the end of the season. We’re in a tough situation, and we need them. I know they will be there for us. They have supported me a lot. Stepping onto the pitch at Mestalla is special, and I always try to give back all the love they have shown me."

Mental strength

"Having the right mindset was key. Staying positive helped me overcome this. I'm an optimistic person. I try to block out negativity. I set a goal and work towards it."

Recovery timeline

"We stuck to the plan. I knew what I wanted, and I listened to my body. A lot of people thought I wouldn’t be back in January, but I knew I would. With the right mindset and hard work, anything is possible."

Lessons learned

"I've learned so much—especially patience. It's a long process, and after what happened, nothing can really shake me anymore. The worst is behind me. Now, I just want to enjoy what lies ahead. I’ve learned a lot about my body—how to manage it, when to do treatments… Every little detail matters, like warm-ups and stretching. Psychology is crucial, not just in life but especially in football."

Helping the team

"I'm just another player now, and my goal is to give my best. I've just returned, and there's a process to get back to my best level, which will come with training, matches, and feeling comfortable again. Just being with the squad is already a way to help. I’ve been here for a long time, and my teammates listen to me. I try to give advice and set an example. We need everyone to step up. Self-demand is important, and so is leading by example on the pitch. Talking to each other helps us grow. What we all want is to win and help the team."

Competitive edge

"Training is good, but matches are what really test you. That’s where you can see and improve things, gain match rhythm. I will give my absolute best to be at my peak level. I’ll be ready very soon."