The defeat at Can Peixauet with a comeback by FE Grama thanks to the opening goal of Sergi Solans (2-1) hurt Peralada, but last Sunday there was also a good reason to celebrate. Marc Gelmà he felt like a footballer again after spending more than a year blank, a total of 414 days, because of a serious knee injury left that forced him to go through surgery twice. “It was very special because I had been waiting for this moment for a long time”, he says. The Santa Susanna midfielder came on in the 70th minute of the match to replace Dani Gómez: “I thought I would play a little less, but the coach asked me how I was and I came on earlier. I’m happy. I was afraid that the knee would fail again or not be 100%, and he responded very well. I didn’t think about it at all, going strong in one-on-one duels, even winning some. I guess it’s because of the competitive spirit. With the ball I wasn’t completely fine, although I know I have room for improvement».
Of course you have the confidence of Miquel Ángel Muñoz and the rest of the coaching staff will help him regain his confidence and his best version. “I have to pick up the pace. Both the club and the manager have given me confidence from day one. Peralada offered me the renewal as soon as I got injured, it’s a detail that speaks for itself. I am very grateful to them for everything they have done and are doing for me. They have been very important in my recovery process. From Pep Genís (in charge of equipment) to the one who takes care of the bar, everyone has shown affection towards me so that I feel part of the group”, he explains.
Last season Gelmà could barely play four games. Until now, his last match had been on September 25, 2021 at the Ascó field (0-5) after suffering a cruciate ligament tear of the left knee in training, having to have surgery and relapse in July with a second operation. “I was supposed to return in September, but during the pre-season I noticed the pain on the outside of my knee before I broke my cruciate ligament. My whole knee was paralyzed and it was impossible to do any kind of activity. Mentally, the second surgery was a hard blow because all the ghosts came back and I was afraid that the knee would suffer. But in the end, as my parents say, things happen for a reason. This injury has also given me many positive things, like controlling myself», he says. The most important thing of all is, without a doubt, that “I have achieved the goal of playing football again and enjoying it”.
With the reappearance of Gelmà, Peralada adds another cash to face the rest of the season. For now, the champagnes are in the fight for the play-off. “I have half adapted to helping from the outside and I want to do it from the inside. The team has room for improvement. We are a more powerful group than we think, we just have to believe it.” Starting with himself: “I will try to contribute my bit to be able to be higher”.
