Ricardo Vaz Te has promised to return from his injury nightmare as a stronger person and a stronger footballer.

The Portuguese striker has been stricken over the last couple of years, suffering two long-term injuries.

Vaz Te made two substitute appearances last season after recovering from an original cruciate ligament problem sustained in the opening game of the 2007/08 season.

And he was forced to go under the knife once again last November when a meniscus injury halted his recovery.

Now after six months of rehabilitation since his latest setback, Vaz Te can see light at the end of the tunnel although he admits that there is still plenty of work to be done.

"Without even playing I feel like a better player and a better person because this injury has toughened me up," explained the 22-year-old. "It's made me learn the simple things in life.

"I thought that it was tough before but not as tough as it is now. I feel great but I have to wait for the knee as I can't push it too hard.

"At the beginning of last season I was out with ligament damage for about six months or so. I tried to come back and then after that I damaged my meniscus in my right leg, and from then it was on and off until October.

"In November I decided that I couldn't bear the pain any longer, plus I never really got back to my best. It was unfair for everybody really - my team-mates, the manager and the fans - because they never really got to see me at my best anymore.

"I decided to get it right this time and that's why it is taking this long. Hopefully I will get back next season stronger. I'm focusing on that and I'm trying my best."



Vaz Te has been working hard with the medical department six days a week, however he knows the importance of not rushing his comeback after learning from previous experiences.

He explained: "After the operation I basically had two months where I did nothing because I couldn't even walk. After that I eased into walking and then jogging to build up the muscles so I that feel comfortable.

"I'd not only damaged the meniscus but also a bit of the bone, so I underwent an operation called microfracture which takes longer to recover than normal.

"In the past I've always pushed myself too hard and sometimes it is not worth it because you only end up getting injured again. I'm looking at a long period rather than a short period.

"Everybody is probably enjoying the summer right now and I'm enjoying it now because it's been a long time since I have been able to run.

"I am in nearly every day from Monday to Saturday with Nick (Worth) and Andy (Renshaw). They have been great with me and I'm really grateful. Like I say, so far things have been going well and hopefully everything will stay that way.

"If I get back for the beginning of the season then I will be delighted, but I am trying not to put a time on my recovery. I'm trying to stick to the plan which is nine months."



Injuries are part and parcel in football, but Vaz Te admits that he has had to be mentally strong in dealing with the realisation that he has been out of football for such a long period of time.

However he explained that the prospect of exciting the Bolton Wanderers supporters once again is the driving force behind his recovery.

He added: "As a young footballer, you always want to get out there and play simply because of the enjoyment - it is amazing if I score a goal and hear the fans sing my name. But these injuries have been hard because I have not been out for just two months or three months, it has been two years now.

"It's been extremely difficult and I am trying my best not to get frustrated. It was why I tried to speed up my recovery which didn't help at all. Hopefully this time I will get it right and everybody will be happy to see me back playing.

"For two years people have been asking questions about me, but they don't really know what has been going on. I've just been unlucky with injuries.

"I didn't want it to happen to me but it's the luck that I have got and I have had to deal with it. Maybe in the past I didn't address it right but this time I am trying my best.

"They diagnosed the injuries as 'career ending' which is very scary for my age. But everything has been addressed well and they gave me a target of nine months overall, which is not too bad looking at the long-term process.

"The future is bright right now because I have been in the dark for a long time. To get a bit of sunshine in my life is amazing and I'm excited about the chance to get back playing. Hopefully I will get the chance to light the Reebok Stadium again."

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