Kulusevski sees himself as different after a long absence

Kulusevski suffered several setbacks after undergoing knee surgery in May 2025. However, a second operation in March finally put the 26-year-old on the road to recovery.

Kulusevski said after Tottenham achieved their first league win of the season, which lifted them from the bottom of the table, "Everything is great. I worked harder than you can imagine."

He added, "The journey seemed impossible. It was as difficult as it could possibly be, but I had a feeling that I would return to playing football. I just had to believe in that, and that is what I do."

He continued, "I kept working 10 hours a day out of the spotlight, so when everything seemed impossible and when everyone gave up, I never gave up, and that is why what happened today happened."

The Swede expressed his gratitude "because the fans missed seeing me play. This means a lot to me, and I am here to show them a better version of myself. And a better version of me means a better Tottenham, so we will be fine."

Tottenham had only achieved three home victories in the league during Kulusevski's long absence, and narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the 2025-2026 season.

He also missed the club's Europa League title win in 2025 and Sweden's World Cup campaign, but he is now ready to make up for lost time.

He said, "It was an amazing journey even though it was difficult at times. Difficulty is beautiful, and I am very grateful that I lived this experience."

He added, "Now I am ready to play football. I see myself a little differently now. I think I have become a different man. The same person, the same person who wants to play football, but a little wiser."