Last season to remember, and this one to forget. When Almeria wеrе breaking through from the second to the first tier in Spain, Umar Sadiq was their leading man. So when he arrived on the big stage with the Andalusians and started scoring goals in La Liga (two in the first three games), a move to San Sebastian followed. He netted on his debut against Atletico, and right after that, during the away tie at Getafe, he got injured!What a bummer: Sadiq’s season is over only 10 days after becoming the most expensive player in the history of SociedadSince then, the Nigerian striker has been sidelined because he had to undergo knee surgery, and now his recovery process is in the ultimate phase.”I came to Real Sociedad and after ten days, I got injured. At that time, I still didn’t know the names of all the players, but I very quickly learned the names of all the physiotherapists and doctors who treated me, far before the players. It sounds fun, but it’s hard, one of the hardest moments for me,” the Nigerian recalled, talking to Spanish media.Recovery going faster than expected: Sociedad and Nigeria striker Sadiq returns to training ahead the Real Madrid clashIf there is something positive in the very complicated period of the tall striker’s life, it is the impression that he encountered a familiar atmosphere in the Basque Country, which helped him overcome difficult moments.”Everyone is very friendly to me. I feel like I’ve been at the club for ten years. I am grateful to everyone for the way they treated me after the injury and I hope that soon I will be able to contribute on the field and thus say ‘thank you’ for their support.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7208866####EDITORS_CHOICE##The date of Sadiq’s return is still unknown, and maybe Sociedad’s coach won’t use him this season at all.”I trained in the gym for seven months. It is not easy to accept that the said routine lasts so long. I understand that it had to be done in order for him to come back stronger. I’m still out of the team. I wouldn’t be able to say when I’ll be back, because the recovery time is usually between seven and nine months.”Real Sociedad replace the departed Eritrean with a Nigerian – and save up $52 million!When he returns, goals are expected from him, as he was hired after the sale of Alexander Isak to Newcastle. In addition, Umar was paid 20,000,000 euros, the most expensive transfer in the club’s history from Anoeta.”The way people from the outside see football is different from the way we see it from the inside. I do not see myself as Isak’s replacement, nor am I burdened by the amount of money allocated for my transfer. The business (his move to Sociedad) was like any other, normal, and my task is to help the team by giving my best”.At 2 am, Osimhen parties at the roof of a team bus with 10,000 fansSociedad is fourth in the Primera table, with good prospects that after three tied seasons in the Europa League, they will reach the Champions League, which they have been waiting for ten years.”We went through a demanding period, with results not in accordance with expectations, which is why now, at the end of the championship, every game is a final for us. I hope that we will qualify for the Champions League, the impression is that the team is ready for a breakthrough,” Sadiq concluded.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 31Tuesday20.30: (5.80) Girona (4.10) Real Madrid (1.65)20.30: (2.45) Cadiz (3.15) Osasuna (3.30)23.00: (2.95) Betis (3.15) Sociedad (2.70)Wednesday20.30: (1.45) Atl.Madrid (4.30) Mallorca (9.50)20.30: (2.00) Getafe (3.45) Almeria (4.30)23.00: (5.10) Rayo Vallecano (3.60) Barcelona (1.80)23.00: (1.35) Celta (4.90) Elche (9.50)Thursday20.30: (1.80) Valencia (3.50) Valladolid (4.70)20.30: (1.65) Villareal (4.00) Espanyol (6.00)23.00: (1.90) Ath.Bilbao (3.60) Sevilla (4.50)***odds are subject to change
