Paris Saint-Germain have bolstered their squad this summer with three new signings (Rodrigo Corrales, Bjarki Elisson and Frederik Ladefoged), but they can also count on a returning player, "who feels like a new signing". A year after suffering a cruciate ligament tear during the pre-season tour of Japan, Emil Mellegard is back on court - and he has just one ambition.
Eager to prove himself, our left-winger has fought hard to regain his form and get back on the court. "It was a completely new experience for me, as I’d never been injured before. I've worked incredibly hard to make a comeback. Fortunately, we have the best coaching and medical staff here in Paris, so my recovery went well." After many long months on the sidelines, the Swede made a spectacular return at the end of last season, scoring seven goals in two matches.
"When I played towards the end of last season, I felt just like I used to. I wasn't even thinking about my knee; it was as if I'd never stopped playing."
While his aim was simply to return to training with the first team to prepare for next season, Emil was finally able to play his first minutes in an official match in the Rouge et Bleu shirt a few days after the club's 13th French league title was officially confirmed at the Accor Arena against Nantes.
"I think playing those two matches was really good for my mindset. Even if I'd had five shots without scoring, I'd still have been satisfied, because I was playing with the team."
This is an important mindset as he heads into the new season - one the left-winger hopes to make his own. "I've been able to relax a bit more, as I know I can play matches again. I've focused entirely on my handball during pre-season." And the Swede has been gaining momentum throughout the pre-season. Against Skjern on Tuesday 18 August, he put in one of his best performances in a Parisian shirt, finding the net five times in the defeat suffered by Stefan Madsen’s side (29–35).
Emil can now focus on the coming season, making adjustments to his preparation to avoid any relapse. "I've changed a lot of things, particularly my diet. I'm getting more sleep to recover better. I think I'm more aware of how I train now." The Swedish winger now wants to fully experience French handball, and not just from the stands.
"I get the impression that this is a very high-calibre league; all the players are extremely talented. You can never let your guard down, even if you're the best team. You have to play every match at the highest possible level, otherwise you'll fall into a trap." That's a pitfall he helped his team-mates avoid on the final day of last season against Tremblay (35–31), helping the capital club to maintain their unbeaten record for the season.
Crowned as a champion of France despite his long absence, the winger intends to build on this momentum and, this time, play a full part in a successful season for Les Rouge et Bleu. "I want to win trophies; that's our aim at Paris Saint-Germain. We want to have a great season, win the league, the Champions League, the Coupe de France… Everything there is to win. Then I'll be happy!" Ambitious and determined, Emil Mellegard is well and truly back.
