{
  "id": 15742307,
  "title": "Kulusevski a 'different man' after emotional Spurs return",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/kulusevski-a-different-man-after-emotional-spurs-return",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-20T12:39:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kulusevski-different-man-emotional-spurs-123933726.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dejan Kulusevski, Tottenham's midfielder, made an emotional return to action after being sidelined for 17 months due to injuries. He scored during a 3-1 victory against Coventry, marking his first Premier League win of the season. Kulusevski had previously undergone knee surgery in May 2025 and a second procedure in March, which finally facilitated his recovery. He described the past year as the most difficult he has ever encountered, but his unwavering belief in his ability to return to the pitch kept him going. Kulusevski expressed gratitude towards the fans for missing his absence and emphasized his commitment to proving himself as a better player and teammate. Now, he feels like a \"different man\", acknowledging that he is smarter and more determined. This emotional return has set him on a path to make up for lost time, as Tottenham had only three home league wins during his lengthy absence, narrowly avoiding relegation in the 2025/26 season.",
  "summary": "Dejan Kulusevski said he felt like a \"different man\" after a 17-month injury layoff as he made an emotional return for struggling Tottenham.I think I am a different man now.",
  "key_points": [
    "Dejan Kulusevski returns to action after 17-month injury absence",
    "Scores first Premier League win of season against Coventry",
    "Describes past year as most difficult he's ever encountered"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Kulusevski’s return provides Tottenham with much-needed stability after a period of injury-induced struggles that saw the club narrowly avoid relegation during his long absence from the pitch.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Dejan Kulusevski addresses 'impossible' return following 526-day injury layoff",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/dejan-kulusevski-addresses-impossible-return-following-526-day-injury",
        "published": "2026-10-20T18:05:26.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}