James Maddison has spoken about his three-month injury lay-off which affected his fatherly duties to his newborn twins.
Maddison, a father of three, joined Tottenham Hotspur from Leicester City in the summer of 2023, for a fee of £45 million.
James Maddison was astonishing before he ruptured his ankle ligaments during Spurs’ 4-1 loss to Chelsea in November 2023.
The Englishman returned to action in the closing stages of January 2024, however, he is yet to hit the heights at the commencing phase of the season.
Speaking ahead of the North London Derby against Arsenal on Sunday, April 28, 2024, Maddison discussed how tough that period was, saying:
“Physically it was tough because I ruptured the ligaments in my ankle which affected everything in my life.
“You’re on crutches, you’re in a boot, you can’t get around the house, you can’t really be a dad.”
James Maddison is in a relationship with partner Kennedy Alexa, and they are parents to three kids; Leo, 2, and twins Delilah and Rome, who were born in July 2023.
Maddison has been dating 29-year-old model girlfriend Kennedy since 2020, and the pair have been enjoying a hearty relationship.
The 27-year-old, who is keen on ending the season on a high by securing Champions League football and becoming part of England’s contingent for the European Championships, a tournament where the Three Lions are tagged as favorites.
James Maddison on how he feels when he is battling an injury issue
Tottenham Hotspur gaffer Ange Postecoglou shared that Maddison’s injury was “worse than” initially imagined, and that resulted in the footballer having “grouchy” and “snappy” moods.
Maddison, who was a participant in the Boots Online Doctor YouTube series in partnership with Sky Sports, added:
“I often found when I was injured, I was getting very frustrated with not being back quicker.
“It would almost creep into my personal life a little bit.
There appears to be a mutual feeling between most footballers, as they are itching to return to action quickly.
Moreover, James Maddison added: “I was probably a bit more grouchy and snappy, just even with my partner and my mum and dad.
“It creeps in without you even realizing it. So talking and getting stuff off my chest helps.”
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur return to action on Sunday, April 28, 2024, facing Arsenal in a Matchday 35 Premier League affair.
Spurs are aiming to put a dent in the chances of their rivals, who last won the league title during the 2003/24 season, going the entirety of the campaign unbeaten.
The Gunners sit at the summit of the log with 77 points, 1 better than 2nd-placed Manchester City, who have a game outstanding.
However, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur occupy the 5th spot on the table, having recorded 60 points from 32 matches, 6 points adrift Aston Villa, who sit 4th on the table.
The encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium certainly promises to be a thriller, due to the ambitions of either team at this stage of the season.
Maddison emphasizes on the support he receives from those around him
Anyway, James Maddison also expressed that he can battle with footballing setbacks due to the stable environment around him.
The former Norwich City man has scored 4 goals and provided 7 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions this term.
Speaking about the massive pillars behind him, Maddison said: “I’m very fortunate. I’ve got a brilliant network around me. My parents, my partner, my best friends, my agent.
“Everything I’ve had since day one. I’ve never changed. I’m very fortunate because not everyone has that.
“My message to others would be to seek the person you can get stuff off your chest and be completely 100 percent honest with because it definitely does help.”
