After a frustrating time at Vale Park, Kjell Knops has high hopes of playing for Port Vale again as he continues to recover from his horrific ACL injury.
The 30-year old has experienced heartbreak and frustration over the last year, but continues to work towards putting on that Vale shirt again.
Speaking to the local media, he said:
“It’s been really tough.
“I want to play when I watch the home games, I also want to be on the pitch so it is very tough. I come into work every day with a smile on my face and look forward to my exercises.
“I just want to improve every day.”
Despite all the heartbreak, Kjell believes that he is making good progress with the medical staff at Vale Park and provides an update of what he’s been up to.
“I feel good,” he said.
“My knee feels good and I’m improving everyday. It’s been a very positive rehab.
“I’ve been doing strength exercises to get it back in my legs because I have lost a lot of muscle strength during my surgeries and staying over in hospital.
“I’ve started to run on the treadmill, I went to Manchester three weeks ago and ran on the anti-gravity treadmill to get used to running again.”
The Dutch defender continues to work hard with the medical staff at Vale as he wishes to thank them for their assistance.
He said: “The medical staff have been excellent.
“I can only say positive things about Ben (Nixon) and Kyle (Fairgrieve). Also, Becky (Shutt). She’s more with the youth academy but she has been a massive help also.
“I get all the help that I need from them and they work hard with me every day.”
With his contract running out at the end of the season, Kjell hopes that he can put on a shirt again and play infront of the Vale Park faithful.
“I hope I get to play for Port Vale again,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here and I hope to get back in the Vale shirt soon.
“I won’t be able to play a game before my contract ends so I’m not sure what will happen in the summer, I just want to concentrate on getting fit but we shall see what happens.”