Mario Ilievski returns to training after serious injury
The former U21 captain rejoined FK Prishtina training after months of rehab and thanked those who supported him.
Macedonian international and potential senior national team candidate Mario Ilievski returned to his club's training ground on Monday after months of rehabilitation, rejoining FK Prishtina's sessions following a serious leg injury.
Ovations and a cautious restart
Ilievski, who was previously captain of North Macedonia's U21 side, suffered a major setback when he tore a tendon in his leg and required an extended recovery process to get back on the pitch.
Today he was greeted with applause from teammates as he walked onto the training field. Before the injury he had been the team's leading figure — top scorer, best player and the side's on-field leader.
Speaking after the session, Ilievski said: "Well, finally my ordeal with the injury is over. I am happy that all of that is behind me. It feels good to be back on the pitch. I want to thank everyone who supported me during this time, who did not forget me and sent messages of encouragement. I appreciate that. I know that now the return to my old form awaits, but we go slowly, step by step. The most important thing is that I am healthy, that the whole rehabilitation period went well. I am coming back stronger than ever." — Mario Ilievski.
Coaches and medical staff will monitor his workload as the club manages his gradual reintegration. Ilievski and FK Prishtina will aim to build his fitness carefully with an eye on a full sporting recovery.
Photo: press material from the event
