Starts a long recovery
Movistar Team rider leaves Düsseldorf's University Hospital after five days, will continue his long recovery at home in Murcia
Five days after undergoing surgery on his left leg's kneecap, Alejandro Valverde left Düsseldorf's University Hospital on Friday morning and headed back home in Spain. The 37-year-old will continue his recovery in Murcia after the horrible crash suffered last Saturday on the opening time trial of the 2017 Tour de France.
Valverde's recovery continues under the expected schedule, 'Bala' being even able to slightly bend his knee (30º), get on his feet and walk with crutches, thanks to a orthopedic boot which allows him to rest his foot on the floor. ”Everything's going on the right track," explains an upbeat Valverde. "The most important thing at this point is to take slow but safe steps. It's going to be a long process, and we must remain calm and confident. The doctors, though, seem really satisfied about how everything has evolved so far – and that makes me happy."
The Movistar Team, always accompanied by his wife, Natalia, wants to thank all of the hospital's staff for all the attentions received since he was admitted on Saturday evening: "They've been so supportive. When I underwent surgery we were already seeing they were phenomenal, skilled people, but all the time afterwards – they've made sure we never lacked anything, they really helped us a lot to feel there like home, and when you're so far away from Spain, it really means a lot to you.”
Valverde, who has followed the Tour's first stages from the hospital with interest, wants to send a message of support to his team-mates: “I really miss them a lot, and try to stay in touch with them every day. I'm sure every single one of our members will do a great race, and I'm confident Nairo will be up there with the top contenders."
Unable to respond to all of the countless requirements from the media, whom he wants to thank for their attention and support, Alejandro Valverde will offer a press conference in Murcia next week.