Ignatius Ganago Ready To "Give Everything" To The Revolution
“This club really means a lot to me."
It’s been a trying two months for Ignatius Ganago, who was sidelined with a quadriceps injury sustained during international duty.
The striker returned on Saturday, playing 27 minutes against D.C. United in his first game since May 31st.
“It was a very difficult moment because I knew I would be out for a long time,” Ganago said. “I just said to myself, ‘Okay, now I’m out so I have to do everything possible to come back and come back even stronger than before.’ I really worked hard, trained hard, so I’m really happy to be back.”
The 26-year-old felt well-supported by New England Revolution players and staff.
Little messages—like “keep going, we are waiting for you”—helped him stay motivated and focused during the recovery process.
“The medical staff, they were there asking questions every time, how I feel, if I am okay with what they are doing, if I like it. If I don’t really like something, they can change and do other stuff,” Ganago said. “So, we were working hard and [also] communicating together. It was really nice to work with them. It was tough, but they made it easier.
“Even the players were there for me. Every time, they were there laughing and smiling. When it’s like that, it’s [easier] to take the pain away.”
The Revs went winless during Ganago’s nine games away, which he believes is a shame because “they were really playing good, but no results.” He desperately wanted to get on the field to help.
Now he has the chance to do so, as the Revs look to make a late playoff push. The team is currently eight points below the playoff line with nine games to go.
The road ahead will be challenging, but Ganago will give it his all, especially after what the club has done for him.
“This club really means a lot to me,” Ganago said. “From day one to today, they have always been there for me. They keep trying to push me to reach the top. They keep pushing me and keep advising me.
“It’s not like I am owing them something, but sometimes when people are really nice to you, the least I can do right now is to keep myself on the pitch, to give everything. That’s the least I can do.
“After that, I can try to score a goal to make us win. There are so many things. Like I said, from day one, they were there for me. Even when I got injured they were still there.”