Rising Again: Tyrone Mings’ Inspiring Comeback Journey from ACL Setback!
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Tyrone Mings Aston Villa
Tyrone Mings spoke about his challenging recovery journey from an ACL injury that kept him away from Premier League action for 480 days. He shared the emotional and physical hurdles he faced as well as his sources of motivation during the difficult period.
Tyrone Mings said, “Awful, absolutely awful. But I’ve done it before and I did it again. I was always wondering what was keeping me going, whether it was nights like tonight, family, personal pride. It was a little bit of everything, that when times get tough you ask, what am I still doing this for?”
Reflecting on handling good and bad days with a balanced perspective, Mings emphasized the importance of visualisation and remaining calm under different circumstances in football.
Tyrone Mings said, “You have good days, bad days, good hours, bad hours. Not too much really. But I am a big believer in visualisation. I played tonight over in my head many, many times before.”
Addressing how his experience helped him gain a sense of calmness after any match outcome and the support he received from fans, Mings expressed gratitude towards the Villa Park atmosphere and the fans’ encouragement aiding in his comeback.
Tyrone Mings said, “It also means I have seen way worse in the last 16, 17 months than bad days in football, which means I can contextualise it a little bit and means I am very calm after a loss of bad performance. I’m fairly calm after a win. I think it allows me to take football with a very clear focus and think this is what I have worked for and on for the next one.”
Mings reflected on the moments of doubt during his recovery and the extensive efforts required before truly beginning his rehabilitation, emphasizing persistence despite setbacks. He mentioned spending time in America for specialized rehabilitation.
Tyrone Mings said, “I did not conclusively think ‘this is it’ but there were definitely days when I thought I have been banging my head against a brick wall for a few months and I have not seen any progress. When is something going to change? I never thought: ‘I am never going to play football again’. But there were certainly days when I thought, will I? If that makes sense.”
Mings detailed his rehabilitation process, including travel to America and his trust in the expertise of Bill Knowles, a specialist who previously treated his left knee. He credited the Villa staff for their unwavering support during his rehabilitation journey.
Tyrone Mings said, “Honestly, the only thing you do in that situation is keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep going. That is why I say you have to draw on every part of internal and external motivation you have. There are different days and different things. Sometimes when you are away from home, away from family – I had a lot of time in America – you think if the family think I can do this, then I sure as hell will keep turning up every day and doing the work.”
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