Emotional Mitchell Weiser reflects on Werder Bremen return: ‘It feels like a win for me personally’

Mitchell Weiser admitted his return to action felt like a personal victory after an emotional comeback for Werder Bremen in Saturday’s draw with Köln.

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Mitchell Weiser was overcome with emotion after making his long-awaited return to action for Werder Bremen in Saturday's 1-1 draw away at Köln. 

The defender came off the bench at the RheinEnergieStadion after the longest spell without football in his career, marking the occasion at the club where his professional journey started. 

“It feels like a win for me personally,” Weiser told Sky Sports after the match. 

“Of course, we would have liked to win as a team as well.”

He was seen in tears after the final whistle, going on to outline the uncertainty surrounding his comeback, after almost 14 months out with an ACL injury. 

"It's been a very long time and, since I started playing football, I think it's the longest period I've ever had without football. 

“It was simply tough for me, every day having that uncertainty about when I could get back onto the pitch.”

The 32-year-old also explained how he had pushed to make the squad for the Köln trip.

“I really fought to be here,” he said. "And then, in the stadium where everything started for me, something just came over me. It was special.

“Playing football gives me everything. It's the most beautiful thing in the world for me.”