Athlete and university student
Patellar chondropathy
Ruptured anterior cruciate ligament
Milan, Italy (Istituto Clinico Villa Aprica)
“What a change it has been to move to Milan. From an academic perspective, when I think about it, it’s like when we finish high school, and with it, a certain way of being young ends too. School is a bit like this World Cup, and once that cycle is over, we feel invincible, just like the Moroccan national team did before playing against the French national team two days ago. At university, we rediscover new and different challenges and are also a bit disappointed, just like Morocco was. I'm still getting used to the schedule of a commuting student: for example, waking up at 5:30 in the morning more than four times a week.
It’s not always easy, I must admit. I’ve discovered that being consistent is a key that leads to an important life lesson. Perhaps I somewhat expected this, and I'm happy to be here; I’m doing well.
I grew up playing basketball. Until I was 12 years old, I played for the team where my father also played. It was called Antoniana. Then, with the gym now unusable and old, the team died with it. At 12, I started playing soccer, like everyone else, aiming to pursue a professional career one day. After a few knee injuries, I decided to quit and play in some lower league. Currently, I play in the Juniores category, hoping to be picked for the first team. Even though it might seem like a modest goal to many, I find it a pleasure and a motivation above all else.
I’ll take the next train to Como in 40 minutes. Today's transport strike has slightly changed my plans. I thought I’d eat on the train, but as we know, hunger often doesn’t wait.
Ever since I was a child, I’ve had knee problems. I remember all the orthopedic appointments as if they were yesterday. I had so many X-rays and MRIs that you can't count them on the fingers of both hands. I had issues with knee cartilage, especially during that period of life when I gained those inches in height all at once.
For a certain period, I even used crutches to avoid bending my knees as much as possible.
Patellar chondropathy is a common phenomenon among young people, but not entirely trivial, and still an important condition if you’re an athlete and it prevents you from playing. Like a symptom of drug withdrawal, I suffered from not being able to play soccer like an addiction. It’s the mental component that makes the difference and that was taking a beating. I miss my friends, group dinners, and those injections of adrenaline you only feel when you start kicking a ball.”
