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Lisandro Martínez Reveals He Nearly Quit During ACL Rehab, Credits Support for Comeback

His on-record account spotlights the mental reinvention that turned a nine-month ACL layoff into a return to form.

Overview

  • In an AFA Estudio interview published this week, the Manchester United defender said that two to three weeks into recovery he did not want to play football anymore.
  • Martínez described having to reinvent himself after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in early 2025, a process he said left him feeling like he was no longer a footballer.
  • He cited the birth of his daughter in March 2025 as the turning point that kept him from giving up and became his daily motivation during rehabilitation.
  • The Argentina international credited daily gym work, psychological therapy, support from family and friends, and a carefully managed return to minutes at United for his physical and mental resurgence.
  • After returning on November 30, 2025 and reclaiming a starting role by late December, media in Argentina report his form strengthens his chances of making the 2026 World Cup squad.