Ghana international Nathaniel Adjei could hardly believe he had featured in six consecutive games for FC Lorient since returning from a long injury layoff.
The locker room erupted in celebration after Lorient’s victory, with music, champagne, and laughter filling the air.
Adjei was laughing in disbelief as teammates danced and celebrated around him, savoring a memorable win over FC Nantes at Stade du Moustoir.
“Six games in a row,” he muttered softly, as if to remind himself it was genuine. “For a while, I didn’t even know if I’d get back on the pitch this season,” he said following Lorient’s 2-1 victory over FC Nantes in the French Ligue 1.
The injury had sidelined him for a year, with long evenings watching from the seats and even longer mornings spent in recovery.
Adjei has made the most of his return, turning in a solid display during his 17-minute cameo against the Canaries, his sixth straight appearance since coming back.
“It feels amazing,” Adjei told GHANASoccernet, his eyes lighting up. “When you’re injured, you miss everything, the noise, the tackles, even the pressure. To be back and helping the team again, that’s the best feeling in football.”
He reserved special praise for those around him. “I’m grateful to the medical staff and the coach for trusting me. They never rushed me, and now my body feels strong.”
As he rose to leave, the smile still hadn’t faded. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “I’m hungry, I’m fit, and I’m enjoying my football again. I’ll keep working hard to finish the season even stronger.”
Adjei sustained the setback on his senior debut for the Black Stars, when he was forced off during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger on November 18, 2024. A surgery the following month became a necessary step on his long road to recovery.
The Teshie-native endured a difficult spell, spending months in rehabilitation and undergoing an intensive recovery program.
He initially joined Lorient on loan from Hammarby in January 2024, making 15 Ligue 1 appearances before the club secured his permanent transfer in the summer for a reported fee of $7 million.
