James Maddison makes 'dark days' admission in emotional interview after making first start in 536 days

James Maddison took part in an emotional post-match interview after an out-of-form Tottenham recorded their first win of the Premier League season to move off the bottom of the table.

The 29-year-old, who spent 18 months in recovery following back-to-back knee injuries, made his first start since May 2025 on Monday night as Tottenham recorded a 3-1 win over Coventry City.

It was an evening to remember for Maddison, who ended his 610-day goal drought in the 14th minute, when he beat goalkeeper Carl Rushworth with a superb first-time strike that found the top corner.

READ MORE: Spurs fans reach instant Dejan Kulusevski verdict after first appearance in 526 days

James Maddison makes emotional admission in post-match interview

Shortly after Tottenham picked up their first three points of the campaign, Maddison admitted that there were "dark days" as he recovered from those serious knee injuries that kept him out for so long.

“Without going too deep into it, they were dark days during rehab," he told Sky Sports.

"You dream of those moments, those goals, that's always the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt emotional for Dejan Kulusevski, because I know exactly that feeling, after that time out. Those sort of goals make it all worth it.

“I spoke to the gaffer about this week whether it was the right moment to come into the first XI after a bit of a stop-start start to the season.

“I just wanted to play well, show my qualities and what I bring to the team and what the team has missed the last 18 months. The gaffer asked me to play and he wanted to enjoy watching me from the sidelines, hopefully I did that.”

Since making his Premier League debut in August 2018, Maddison has scored 21 goals from outside the box, which is two more than Kevin De Bruyne and James Ward-Prowse. Image credit: Getty

Jamie Carragher makes James Maddison prediction after goal against Coventry

Maddison was one of Tottenham's standout performers on Monday as Roberto De Zerbi's side picked up a much-needed win.

Speaking on Monday Night Football after the game, pundit Jamie Carragher tipped Maddison to have a "big impact" in the coming weeks as Spurs look to build on their most recent win.

"I think he is seen as that type of player," said Carragher.

"He's naturally one of those people in the game who is always laughing and joking, trying to lift people around the dressing room. I think he will have a big impact. He's captained the club in the past.

"Even though they've brought in a lot of attacking talent, he will still think no one's better than him because he's that type of character. He has that football arrogance that I like in players.

"It will be interesting to see where he fits in eventually because there are a lot of players at Tottenham in the attacking positions, especially with Kulusevski back."