Young Inter-owned AZ Alkmaar defender Zinho Vanheusden admits that he had seriously contemplated leaving football due to the mounting injury problems that he’s faced throughout his career.
Speaking to Belgian newspaper De Morgen in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews, the 23-year-old also gave his thoughts on the likelihood of becoming part of the Nerazzurri’s first-team setup.
Whilst Vanheusden has only been playing senior professional football for a few years now, the young Belgian has had some absolutely dreadful luck with injuries.
During spells with all of Standard Liege, Genoa, and AZ, Vanheusden has spent months out on the sidelines recovering from long-term injuries, most recently a broken foot suffered during a clash with Utrecht striker Bas Dost.
This has made it difficult for Vanheusden to build up the form and momentum to make good on what are undoubtedly the qualities to thrive at the top flight level.
The defender admitted that “Before my foot injury, I always felt strong and convinced I would come back.”
“But this time…” he reflecte. “I had just come back and then I had to have another operation.”
“I missed another three months, and it felt like my season was over, I was done,” he continued.
“Football is my life, but when you’ve been through a lot and you break your foot again you start to think, ok, I’ve had a good run, but no more.”
Vanheusden confided that “I’ve really thought about quitting.”
“I have to thank AZ for showing understanding of my situation,” he went on, “I’m still working to get back up to the pace of things, but at least I’m not experiencing pain any longer.”
And regarding the prospect of going back to Inter, the Belgian stated that “Of course it’s a big club, but I’m not here to say that I have to make it there in the next few years.”
“Because of everything that’s happened, I have both feet on the ground,” he added. “I’m not interested in career planning, you never know what life is going to throw at you.”
