Bodde Says Thank You For Support

Ferrie Bodde has said a big thank you to everyone who has left him messages of support on the Official website.

The Dutch midfielder recently suffered a recurrence of his troublesome knee ligament injury which kept him out of action for 10 months.

After a long rehabilitation process, the 27 year-old finally made a return in September as he started the home League match against Sheffield United, in which we won 2-1. But he lasted just 8 minutes, and he'll now have to undergo the long recovery process all over again.

Bodde told the Official Site how the messages have given him a massive lift and they've made him more determined than ever to come back next season:

'I read all the messages of support on the club website and I was overwhelmed,''

'It is good to know I have so many people behind me.

'I wish I could thank them all individually, but that's obviously not possible. So I would like to thank everyone here.

'For the first week after the injury I was really down. My head was all over the place and it was difficult to comprehend what had happened. It felt like the end of the world.

'But the messages gave me a massive lift and it has made me more determined to come back and repay everyone for their support.

'I knew I had to make certain choices to get back playing as soon as I can. I'm happy now that I can make those choices with the right people around me and with the club's support.

'Everyone has been wishing me a speedy recovery - and I aim to give them exactly that.''

Bodde has been ruled out for the rest of the season but manager Paulo Sousa believes he can return earlier than expected:

'If he follows the rehabilitation process, and if he works very hard, he can get back quicker this time in my opinion,''

'Ferrie needs to be completely focused on his recovery. Sometimes he will have to work three times a day. If he does that, I think he can help us this season - and I have told him that.'

Ferrie Bodde also paid tribute to his former team-mate Darren Way, who was involved in a serious car accident last Christmas.

He was lucky to survive, and he needed 9 operations afterwards.

Bodde added:

'I spoke to Darren two days after my injury and I realised that it wasn't the end of the world,'' added Bodde.

'Worst things have happened to people who don't deserve it. Darren has been through hell and is still having operations, so I should be positive.

At least I will be back playing again soon. He put everything into perspective for me and made me more positive, especially seeing how hard he is fighting.

'I know I've got another long road ahead of me, but I'll get there and come back a better and stronger player for all Swans fans to see.''

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