The Road to Recovery

After enduring a year of pain and multiple surgeries, AC Milan's Scottish captain, Christy Grimshaw, is finally back on the pitch. The 29-year-old midfielder, who made a significant move from French club Metz to Milan in 2020, has had a rollercoaster journey. Grimshaw's leadership and skills earned her the captaincy and a contract extension until 2027, but the announcement came as she was recovering from her first knee surgery.

Overcoming Adversity

Grimshaw's return to football was not without its challenges. She spent 13 months on the sidelines, missing most of last season. "It was a bittersweet moment because I was so happy but at the same time I wasn't involved," she recalls. The mental toll of watching her teammates prepare for the season while she was in recovery was immense. "You learn through the process. If you have never experienced something like that you don't really know a lot about yourself and how to deal with it," she adds.

A New Perspective

Now, Grimshaw is fully immersed in pre-season training, and her perspective on football has shifted. "I never thought I would be smiling doing running and jumping tests, but I am so thankful because I had such a hard time of it last year," she explains. The smallest victories now hold great significance for her. "My whole perspective of playing football has actually changed because I appreciate the littlest of things."

Eyes on the Future

Grimshaw's immediate focus is on making a strong comeback for AC Milan, but she also has her sights set on returning to the Scotland national team. With 16 caps already to her name, she is determined to get back to her best. Recently-appointed head coach Melissa Andreatta has been in touch, expressing her hopes for Grimshaw's full recovery. "I want to play again for the national team in the future," Grimshaw states.

The Importance of Health

Grimshaw's journey has taught her the value of health and the importance of being in the best possible condition for both club and international football. "Just putting myself in the best place to be chosen for club football or international football, that feeling is so important and I didn't realise how important it was until this moment, being healthy," she concludes.