Xavi Simons Opens Up About ACL Tear, Recovery, and Inspiration from Hans Zimmer
In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Tottenham and France midfielder Xavi Simons revealed the emotional toll of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear suffered in a challenge with Wolves' Hugo Bueno. He broke down crying upon diagnosis, realizing he could not help Tottenham avoid relegation and would miss the World Cup. Simons detailed his recovery routine, including strength training, learning latte art, and playing dominoes with childhood friends. He plans to watch Christopher Nolan's upcoming film 'The Odyssey' and calls his mother before every match to listen to Hans Zimmer's 'Interstellar' theme, which he says calms him. Simons also discussed his family, including his wife Rinia's Alzheimer's awareness campaign, and his relationship with coach De Zerbi, who called him a 'leader.' He expressed confidence in his ability to perform under pressure and return to a key role at Tottenham.
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