Real Madrid: Marcelo's words of encouragement for Asensio during his recovery
As Marco Asensio tentatively jogged around the pitch in Valdebebas for the first time after a serious knee injury, Marcelo was there encouraging him: "You're better than before!"
Anyone who has had a sports injury will know how daunting it is to take those first, sometimes painful steps following a long time without much physical activity. When Marco Asensio tentatively jogged around the practice pitch in Valdebebas for the first time after a serious knee injury, he was given plenty of encouragement from one of the team's captains. Marcelo was there to give him a confidence boost, "Go on mate! What a great sight! This makes so happy!" the left-back shouted, clapping in approval from the balcony above practice pitch No.1. "You're doing really well, really well - better than before!"
Asensio returns... and scores
The images were captured a few months ago by Real Madrid TV who have produced a documentary about Asensio's road to recovery. Almost a year after his injury, Asensio has shown he's still the great player he was before he hurt his knee - or probably even better as he scored with practically his first touch in his first game back, against Valencia last week.