AliousJesse Lingard, the former Manchester United and England midfielder, has recently shed light on his challenging tenure at Nottingham Forest and his subsequent move to FC Seoul in South Korea. In a candid column for The Times, Lingard offers insights into the various factors that contributed to his underwhelming spell at the City Ground.
Lingard, who joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer in 2022, made 20 appearances and scored three goals during his time with the club. However, his performances fell short of expectations, given his reputation and previous successes. Now playing in the K League, Lingard seems to be rediscovering his form, having recently scored for FC Seoul in a match against Gwangju, which has propelled his new team into title contention.
In his column, Lingard reveals that he grappled with significant injury problems throughout his time at Forest. He describes suffering from severe tendinitis in both his knees and Achilles tendon for nearly the entire season. This condition severely impacted his ability to perform, particularly affecting his capacity for rapid deceleration – a crucial aspect of his playing style. Lingard admits that he often played through pain, while at other times, the discomfort was too intense for him to participate at all.
Interestingly, Lingard also touches upon another potential factor that may have limited his playing time at Forest. He suggests that the club’s concerns about the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) might have influenced decisions regarding his inclusion in matches. Lingard explains that his one-year contract with Forest included substantial appearance bonuses. As the season progressed and the club became increasingly worried about complying with PSR, there may have been a need to limit spending. Lingard speculates that this financial consideration could have been a reason why he wasn’t selected for certain games, even when he was fit to play.
Despite these challenges, Lingard expresses fondness for Nottingham Forest and its supporters. He acknowledges the difficult circumstances surrounding his time at the club, including the physical struggles he endured and the potential financial constraints that may have affected his playing time.
Lingard’s revelations provide a nuanced perspective on his stint at Forest, highlighting the complex interplay of factors – including injuries, financial considerations, and club policies – that can impact a player’s career. His current resurgence in South Korea suggests that, given the right circumstances, the 31-year-old still possesses the quality that once made him a regular for Manchester United and England.
This account offers valuable insights into the challenges professional footballers can face, particularly when joining newly promoted teams operating under tight financial constraints. It also underscores the importance of physical fitness and the impact that persistent injuries can have on a player’s performance and career trajectory.
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