Five months ago, Cesena goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann suffered a serious injury during a match against Palermo: a fracture of the first cervical vertebra and severe ligament damage to his neck. Now, he has resumed strength training and spoke with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"If I had made one more lateral movement at that moment, I might not be able to walk now. But I hope to resume training with the team before the end of the season."

This week, Jonathan Klinsmann entered the gym, and today he may even attempt to run. For him, these seemingly routine training sessions have taken on an entirely different meaning.

On April 18, during the match between Palermo and Cesena, Klinsmann collided with Filippo Rannocchia, resulting in a fracture of the first cervical vertebra. He also suffered severe ligament damage to his neck.

At the time, Klinsmann did not realize how serious the injury was. In fact, if he had jumped, fallen, or suffered another impact in the minutes that followed, he could have faced the risk of paralysis.

"How does it feel now, looking back at that collision?"

Klinsmann said: "I never lost consciousness, so I remember everything that happened very clearly. At first, I just felt like I had been hit hard, but I didn't think it would be this serious."

"To be honest, I almost couldn't play football again, or even walk normally again."

"Did this risk exist in those first few minutes after the injury?"

Klinsmann said: "Of course it did, in those first few minutes. Fortunately, I told both center backs to take possession because my neck couldn't move at all at that moment."

"If they had passed the ball to me, I wouldn't even have been able to see it. My muscles were working hard to protect my body from further damage."

"If I had made any movement in those first few minutes—even just a simple lateral sprint—it could have caused serious consequences. There were also risks during the ambulance ride and the flight from Italy to Heidelberg."

"I have to admit, I was truly very fortunate."

"Did you speak with Rannocchia afterward?"

Klinsmann said: "Yes. He came to see me and also visited me in the hospital. Many people from Palermo came to see me as well. He wasn't at fault; it was just an accident."

"How has your life changed since this accident?"

Klinsmann said: "I realized that I need to be more cautious now when doing certain things. For example, a car accident could have very serious consequences."

"But on the positive side, I've started to see life differently. Being able to walk normally is something incredible, so it's hard to stay negative about things."

"What are your plans for your return?"

Klinsmann said: "I hope to resume training with the team before the end of the season. Next season, I hope to get back on the pitch."

"What psychological changes have you experienced in recent weeks?"

Klinsmann said: "Many. The hardest time was in the hospital. When my father and girlfriend realized how serious the situation was, those moments were very difficult."

"For me, the hardest part was actually seeing them so worried."

"And the best moment was after the operation. When I saw the relief in my parents' eyes, I knew everything had gone well."

"What kind of father is Jürgen Klinsmann personally?"

Jonathan Klinsmann said: "He has always been a wonderful father, and I know how difficult this period has been for him."

"This injury has had a greater impact on my parents than on me. For me, the hardest part was seeing them so worried."

"The operation isn't completely finished, is it?"

Klinsmann said: "No. In about four months, I will undergo another operation to remove four screws from my neck."

"However, I must say that Dr. Heimer, who performed my operation, has been absolutely fantastic."

"Are you afraid?"

Klinsmann said: "No, I'm not afraid to continue living. Although I know I'm facing an entirely new situation, I'm very eager to play for Cesena again."

"After experiencing such an injury, do you feel more vulnerable?"

Klinsmann said: "No, quite the opposite. I feel stronger because I can feel the support that everyone has given me."

"I've started to notice the positive impact I have on my friends and family. I also won't forget those who prayed for me."

"What is the most important next step?"

Klinsmann said: "To regain fitness. I haven't done any physical activity for three months."

"I just got clearance to resume training. I haven't started running yet, but I've returned to the gym for the first time."

"How did that first training session feel?"

Klinsmann said: "My whole body aches."

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