Sarah Zadrazil is one of the most influential characters in an FC Bayern Women's jersey. Following her cruciate ligament rupture, the Austria international is currently working on her comeback with remarkable discipline and confidence - and has now agreed a year's extension to her contract with the reigning double winners. In an interview with fcbayern.com, the 32-year-old talks about the challenges of rehab, the little joys away from the pitch and her deep connection to Munich and FC Bayern. With family support, newly discovered hobbies and the firm goal of returning to the pitch soon, Zadrazil is full of hope for the future.
Sarah Zadrazil: The interview
Let's start with the most important question Sarah: How are you doing right now?
Sarah Zadrazil: "Really well, thank you. Both physically and mentally. I'm making good progress and my rehab is going really well, step by step. I'm in the best hands at the Red Bull Performance Centre and I can say that I'm doing well. Of course it wasn't that easy to start with, shortly after the cruciate ligament rupture. But I'm also doing very well from a mental perspective now."
I've started playing a bit of piano, but I wouldn't say I'm really good at it. But it's a pretty good way to pass the time.
Sarah Zadrazil on how she's spending her free time during rehab
How do you spend your time at the moment? Are there things you're doing now that you didn't have time for before?
"Yes, I try to see the positive things, of course. The focus has shifted away from football a little and I have time for other things. What I enjoy most is that I can simply spend more time with my family, with my niece and nephew, and also with my parents and relatives. I'm lucky that I can be at home because the rehab is here. I've started playing a bit of piano, but I wouldn't say I'm really good at it. But it's a pretty good way to pass the time. In general, I have to say that my rehab routine means I have virtually less free time than usual, because I'm really there from morning to late afternoon."
You're doing your rehab in Salzburg. What does that involve?
"A typical day for me starts early in the morning, sometimes as early as 8 a.m., with a first session, often a bike session. Then I have breakfast in the rehab unit. That's followed by physiotherapy, then weight training with my athletics coach. Sometimes there's also a mental training session before lunch. After lunch, I usually have my second physio session followed by some endurance training. From time to time there are also things like nutritional counselling or mental coaching, where you do a lot of active things. Or I see the doctor to have my knee checked. I actually always have a packed programme from around 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m."
What does it mean to you that you were able to extend your contract for another year?
"A lot, as Munich has now become my second home - just like Bayern. FCB is more than just a club for me. I've been in Munich and at Bayern for over five years now and have experienced so many wonderful moments with the club and the girls. That's why I'm extremely happy that I can play for Bayern for another year and can now concentrate fully on my rehab so I can hopefully hit the ground running again next season."
What were your reasons for deciding to extend your contract?
”The decisive factor for me was that I simply feel very much at home at FC Bayern and in Munich. The team, the environment and the fans mean a lot to me. I've experienced many wonderful moments here and would like to share many more with the team."
FCB is more than just a club for me. I've been in Munich and at Bayern for over five years now and have experienced so many wonderful moments with the club and the girls.
Sarah Zadrazil on her connection to FC Bayern Munich
What are your plans and expectations for the coming weeks and months?
"Right now, my focus is entirely on my rehab so I can get fit again. I want to come back step by step and hope to be able to fully go for it again next season. Until then, I'm working every day to come back stronger."
Thank you very much for the interview and all the best for your recovery!
”Thank you very much!”
Our number 25 is staying in Munich - FC Bayern Women have asgreed a contract extension with Sarah Zadrazil until 2027:
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