'Had to learn to run again' – USMNT star Sergino Dest reflects on 11-month ACL injury nightmare after making long-awaited return to action with PSV

The United States international spent 300 days on the sideline following an ACL tear he suffered last spring. Dest, however, finally returned to action on Saturday as he was brought into the game as a substitute for Richard Ledezma in the 67th minute of PSV's Eredivisie clash against Heerenveen.

After featuring in the game for almost half an hour, the full-back told PSV's official website: "For me absolutely. I am immensely happy to be back. The supporters and the players took good care of me and I'm very grateful for that. I've had that feeling for eleven months.

"Before the game, all I thought was, I want to get in and play again. Fortunately, the coach gave me a half-hour which was super nice. I also went straight into the duels and was just driven to seek them out. Of course I have to take it easy and be careful, but it felt good."

The former Barcelona star also shared his nightmare experience of recovering from the ACL injury as he added: "The months were tough, but I had to accept it and keep going with a positive mindset. I had to learn to run again, train a lot and keep connecting with the team. The time was not easy and it took a long time, but I had a lot of support from the staff, players and supporters. Now I can show myself again."

The Dutch giants will be back in action on Wednesday as they take on Premier League side Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 fixture.