Presnel Kimpembe candidly opens up on making PSG return after 700 days out following nightmare ordeal
An emotional Presnel Kimpembe gave a candid post-match interview after he made his much-anticipated return for Paris Saint-Germain in their Coupe de France win over Le Mans.
Since rupturing his right Achilles tendon in a 3-0 win over Marseille on February 2023 – an injury that left him in tears on a stretcher – the experienced defender has endured a gruelling 700-day spell on the sidelines.
In fact, Kimpembe was forced to undergo back-to-back surgeries, with the last operation being in late 2023.
Taking to Instagram in May, the 29-year-old France international shared a photo of the achilles tendon injury that has kept him out for such a lengthy period alongside the caption: “All obstacles reinforce one's determination".
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After almost two years out, Kimpembe made his long-awaited return on Tuesday night as he replaced Willian Pacho in the 80th minute of their 2-0 win over Le Mans in the French Cup.
Speaking about his return in a post-match interview with beIN Sports, the PSG centre-back was understandably emotional as he opened up on the road to recovery.
“It has been a while since I experienced emotions like that," he said.
"I am very happy to make my return and to be able to help the team. I am feeling good. It has been a long time. I am a warrior, a soldier, and I have a lot of emotion tonight. After two years away, it is mad."
He added: "I just feel proud to wear this shirt with this badge again, and to have the chance to make the most of it with my teammates."
Luis Enrique's side secured their place in the quarter-final, with Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola scoring in each half to earn a 2-0 victory.
"It wasn't an easy match," added Kimpembe. "We're going home with the win. We know that the Coupe de France is important to us. It's a difficult competition, we've seen that with the other Ligue 1 clubs who have gone out and who've had difficult matches.
"We've managed to qualify for the quarter finals this evening, and that's nothing but positive."
Jack Kenmare