• Premier League

Kaboul: I feared I'd never return from injury

Younes Kaboul played just one Premier League game in 2012-13 © PA Photos

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Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul has admitted he feared for his future in the game after long-term injury problems continued to halt his attempts to make a Premier League return.

Kaboul, 28, played just one Premier League game in the 2012-13 campaign and has also suffered regular injury setbacks this season.

"Sometimes I was losing hope to come back," Kaboul told Tottenham TV.

"Trust me, it was very tough for me when I was out. Sometimes I couldn't come and watch the games anymore because it was just too much.

"When you come out for training in the nice weather, a nice pitch, you are just blessed. You just enjoy it. When you are injured, you have to work by yourself and it is just a nightmare.

"Finally now I feel like I am coming back to my best. I'm not there yet, but I am trying. I wish we still had ten games left to play this season, but unfortunately we only have five left.

"I am feeling much better and I'm going to work again this summer to come back even better and have a good season next time."

Kaboul has been handed the Tottenham captain's armband by head coach Tim Sherwood in recent weeks and he said he is enjoying the responsibility that comes with it.

"To be captain is always nice and, even when I'm not captain, I always want to be a leader in the team. I try to lift everyone up," Kaboul added.

"For any player to be captain is a very good sign from the club. I am not young anymore, so I'm very delighted to wear the armband and I appreciate it. Now we just want to win the final five games and finish the season properly."

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