Nigerian defender Zaidu Sanusi made a celebrated return to competitive football for FC Porto after being sidelined for over a year due to a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The 27-year-old entered the game in the 61st minute, replacing Brazilian winger Pepe, during Porto’s narrow 1-0 loss to Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese League Cup quarterfinal.
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Sanusi suffered the injury in late 2023, which ruled him out for an entire season and tested his physical and mental resilience.
Following an extensive rehabilitation process, the left-back was greeted with cheers from fans and teammates as he stepped back onto the pitch.
His return provides a much-needed boost for Porto as they look to solidify their defense for the remainder of the season. Renowned for his speed, defensive abilities, and offensive support, Sanusi is expected to play a key role in the team’s performance moving forward. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support he received throughout his recovery.
“It’s an emotional moment for me. The journey has been tough, but I’m immensely grateful to the club, my family, and the fans who stood by me,” Sanusi said.
Porto manager Sérgio Conceição praised Sanusi’s determination, calling his comeback a testament to perseverance and hard work. As Sanusi continues to build match fitness, Porto fans are optimistic he will make significant contributions to the team’s quest for silverware this season.
