It took seven months and four days to see Sofiane Guitoune playing a rugby match with Stade Toulousain. Victim of a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee at the end of March, he made his comeback on Sunday against Racing 92. Interview.
Seven months later, it feels good to replay we imagine …
“It had been a while that I was waiting, ten days that I wanted to play. I would have liked to make a recovery at home against Castres but the staff preferred to wait. I have already scratched a week because that the return was planned against Perpignan. I was told about the recovery on synthetic but I did a large part of my rehabilitation on synthetic. The surgeon was ok, there was no reason. like to play synthetic so that was fine with me. “
You have already experienced such an injury in Perpignan, how did you experience it?
“I knew how it was. I was not very worried about the injury. What pissed off was missing the end of last season. It is behind me, there is more than a good season. I’m not someone who asks me too many questions. I want to go on. ”
And this recovery on the lawn of Racing then?
“On the pitch I felt good. I’m quite happy with my comeback. I would of course have preferred another outcome to the match but it’s not the end of the world. We will have to work for a great victory this weekend against Perpignan. “
You come back to a time when the club is deprived of its internationals …
“It’s not since last year that it’s been like that at Stade Toulousain. The club is used to that. These are times that I like. This is where some reveal themselves. These periods are used for the end of the season. “
Guitoune: “It would be really nice to finish in Toulouse”
For your return to Walloon, you will find Perpignan on Saturday. Are they going to come to war?
“Of course. Knowing a few players and Patrick Arlettaz, this is not the style to park in certain matches. They will give themselves the opportunity to go and win everywhere. They will not come on vacation to Toulouse.”
What memories do you keep of your time there?
“It’s a period that I loved. I should have stayed five seasons but the club is going down. As I was in the France team, I made the choice to go to Bordeaux. I was very well in Perpignan. I spend all my summers there, my wife’s family is there. I owe a lot to this club, to the Catalans, to Nicolas Mas or David Marty. Besides, in June, I did a month of my rehabilitation. in Perpignan. ”
How do you imagine the tour of the Blues?
“I think it’s going to be a great tour. There is a very good generation, we are all waiting for the closing game against the Blacks to see where these Blues are located but I think they can have a very good tour. November you’re fresh and you know you can compete. “
You are at the end of your contract … An extension in sight? Do you see yourself ending up in Toulouse?
“We are discussing with the club and that should be settled shortly. These are contract details to be settled. End my career at Stade Toulousain? It would be really very very beautiful. I’m not going to say a dream since the dream was already to be able to play it. “