Jonathan Burkardt had to wait for this moment for over a year. After persistent injuries, the 23-year-old made his comeback for 1. FSV Mainz 05 in Hoffenheim.
When Jonathan Burkardt hugged his girlfriend and family in the guest curve, a few tears were shed. The 23-year-old striker announced on Sunday in FSV Mainz 05’s 1-1 draw at TSG Hoffenheim a moving comeback – after more than a year off due to injury.
The FSV fans celebrated their “Jonny Burkardt” in the Sinsheim stadium with loud chants. The former captain of the German U21 team had two operations on his left knee due to bone marrow edema and was sorely missed by Mainz for a long time. Burkardt played his last game in the Bundesliga to date on November 13, 2022 in the derby against Eintracht Frankfurt. Now he celebrated his return after 378 days. In an interview with SWR Sport he reports on his emotional comeback.
SWR Sport: Jonathan Burkhardt, it’s been a year. A long year, I can imagine. What was it like to get back on the pitch?
Jonathan Burkardt: Sensational. It really was a dream. It was great fun. I’m happy to be back. The icing on the cake would have been the three points. I think we deserved that too. But all in all it was really a very happy day for me.
Don’t you actually have to win here – as Mainz 05 against Hoffenheim?
But if you look at the game, I think we have to win. We played a great game. We really had a lot of dangerous actions. I think we hit the crossbar twice at the back. That’s why I think we have to win the game.
Why don’t these things go in? Is it due to the situation? Or is there no explanation at all?
I don’t think there is any explanation for this today. There is also a bit of bad luck. We had really good situations, good chances. Next time go back in.
Does this have anything to do with the coach? Or do you already notice a bit of Jan Siewert in the team?
Yes, of course. The coach is responsible for us, so how we play is also a matter for the coach. But fundamentally, I think it’s important to bring this Mainz 05 football, the virtues, back to the pitch. And that is at the top of our list.
And that also gives you courage for the next few weeks?
Yes definitely. I think we’ve got five points from the last three games now. There could even have been more. But we have to continue on this path – this way of playing football.
