Fin Bartels is an old hare. In the football business, the 32-year-old has certainly gone through a lot. But when he got ready for his substitution, his heart was racing. “I was really excited,” said Bartels after the game. After 15 months on the sidelines and 454 days without playing for Werder, he was able to celebrate his comeback against Schalke 04. “I had goose bumps!”
Fans and teammates celebrated the comeback for Fin Bartels, who had been out since December 2017 with an Achilles injury. “It is very nice to see him on the pitch again. He is a class player and a super professional. I am very happy for him as I know how it feels like to be injured and alone in the gym,” said two goal Milot Rashica.
With a standing ovation, Bartels entered the pitch in the 84th minute. He replaced match winner Rashica. “This evening is a reward for all the hard work he has done. He will have thought about this moment when working alone in the gym,” said the Werder coach, who also stressed: “That was not a gift for him. He has already shown in training over the past few weeks how he can help the team.”
Bartels will still take some time to find his old form. “I was so nervous that I totally messed up my first touch,” he explained with a chuckle. To gain more game time, Bartels will play on Saturday with the U23s in the Regionalliga against Oldenburg.
The 32-year-old has had to savour the evening though. He was called to the fence by the fans and was allowed to join in the celebrations with the fans. “That was a wonderful moment, just indescribable. I have received a lot of support and encouragement. I can only thank the fans. That was huge,” said Bartels with a big grin.
Welcome back, Fin!
