Lokomotiv (Novosibirsk) outside hitterSam Derooposted an emotional message on social media, in which he announced that he is returning to Russia to continue his recovery.

"Now, as I write this, I am returning to Lokomotiv, where I will continue to work on my rehabilitation," shares the Belgian international.

The club also reacted with support: "We expect our hero home very soon."

"In difficulties lie opportunities"

Deroo admits that the period was extremely difficult, but he made the conscious choice not to succumb to self-pity.

"There was no other way out - only to move forward and fight. We quickly closed the useless page of self-pity and chose the page of courage and resilience. Opportunities lie in difficulties."

He emphasizes that his goal is to be useful to the team as early as the current season.

"I hope to contribute something significant this season to this wonderful club and team, who were by my side the entire time. This was their conscious choice, and I will always respect and appreciate it."

The Belgian adds that the recovery process continues, but he feels mentally stronger than ever.

"My body is still recovering and needs a little more time, but my mind has become stronger than ever."

Gratitude to loved ones

In his message, Deroo expresses gratitude to his son, family, and close friends for their support during this difficult time.

The most emotional words, however, are directed towards his partner –Dobriana Rabadzhieva, a former Bulgarian national player, with whom the two are expecting a baby girl this summer.

"And I am especially grateful to my MVP – my most valuable partner – Dobriana," Deroo writes. "She was by my side every day in countless ways, while she herself was going through her own hell of nausea (related to pregnancy)."

Message to their future daughter

Deroo concludes his post with an excerpt from a letter by Dobriana – words that, by his own admission, brought him to tears and are dedicated to their future daughter:

I want her to grow up knowing that resilience is stronger than fear. I want her to always be honest when she carries something heavy in her heart. And one day, when she faces her own difficulties, I want her to remember that her parents also stood before something frightening – and chose courage.

Expectations at Lokomotiv

At Lokomotiv, they hope Sam Deru will gradually join the preparations and help the team in the second half of the season when the medical staff gives the final green light for his return to the pitch.