Gadi Kinda “always smiling” through ups & downs of recovery

It’s been far too long since Sporting KC fans were treated to that big Gadi Kinda smile. But after making his MLS season debut last week, Gadi says he’s happy, smiling, and ready to help the team get back to winning games. He sat down for an interview with the KC Soccer Journal this week to talk about staying motivated, Ronaldinho, and backflips.

“I’m always smiling! Even in the difficult moments. But yes it was a very special day. I waited a [long] time for that.”

The 29-year-old midfielder missed the entire 2022 season after arthroscopic knee surgery. Now three months into this season, the recovery process is ongoing. He says the knee feels good and he’s getting stronger, but it may still be “three or four games” until he actually reaches 100% fitness.

This kind of injury and the long road to recovery takes a mental toll on a player. Kinda tell us about the internal battle and how to stay motivated while sitting on the side with the stationary bike, watching his teammates train.

“It’s very hard. There’s a lot of ups and downs. A lot of fighting with yourself.”

Sporting KC has had a historically bad start to the season. The fans are desperate. It sure feels like a lot of weight is resting on that surgically repaired right knee of his. But Gadi doesn’t feel any extra pressure to be the season’s savior. He sees a lot of talent around him and believes they’ll all turn things around together.

Hopefully that first goal is coming soon, but what about the trademark backflip? Surely the training staff have requested he try out a different celebration.

“If it will be in the last minute, I don’t know if I can control it!”

Listen to our quick 10-minute interview below, or find the KC Soccer Journal wherever you get your podcasts.

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