Gerard Deulofeu has returned to training with Udinese Calcio, marking the end of a long and painful absence. 
Jordi Delgado
08 MAY 2026
After three years, three months, and a grueling ordeal, Gerard Deulofeu has once again laced up his football boots. The Catalan winger stepped back onto a training pitch this week, working under the supervision of the Udinese Calcio coaching staff.
Now without a contract, the former Barcelona, Everton, Watford, and AC Milan man completed six training sessions over the past week at the club’s facilities in Friuli. Deulofeu has been battling physical pain since early 2023, with his last official match coming on January 22, 2023, when Udinese faced UC Sampdoria. Since then, a severe knee injury sidelined him completely, triggering a long and difficult recovery process.
During this period, Deulofeu endured the worst side of professional sports in silence, facing setbacks and uncertainty. His return to the training ground in shorts has given hope to many Italian football fans. On his Instagram profile, the footballer shared clips of his session, showing changes of direction, bursts of pace, and touches on the ball.
According to Tuttoudinese, the club in Udine is in no rush to push him back. They have opened their doors so he can work calmly under medical supervision, fully aware that the primary goal is not yet competition but rather regaining physical confidence and stability in a knee that has derailed a career once destined for much more.
At 32 years old, Deulofeu still has football to offer. He was always known for his dribbling, speed, and ability to change games. However, injuries have been a persistent obstacle throughout his journey.
Now, more than three years after disappearing from the competitive spotlight, the simple act of training again represents a personal victory. The next step remains uncertain, but Deulofeu feels like a footballer once more. And after so long, that is already a huge achievement.
