In a heartwarming scene at Lille, former Premier League midfielder Nabil Bentaleb was moved to tears during an emotional welcome back to training following his recovery from a cardiac arrest experienced in June 2024. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United player's football career had hung in the balance, but he has now been given the green light to return to action by cardiac specialists and Lille's medical team.
The Algerian international's return to the training ground on February 13 was marked by a touching reception from his teammates and club staff, highlighting the strong bonds within the French club. The moment was particularly poignant given the uncertainty that had surrounded Bentaleb's future in football following his health scare.
Lille president Oliver Letang expressed his joy at Bentaleb's return, stating, "It is a real joy, from a personal and human point of view first, to receive this news this evening for Nabil, for his family, after the long and difficult ordeal they have been through. Fear and doubt have now given way to optimism and the pleasure of seeing Nabil regain his health and the possibility of simply doing what he loves above all else, namely playing football."
Letang further emphasized the club's unwavering support throughout Bentaleb's recovery, noting, "A few months ago, I expressed our dream of seeing Nabil return to the field and thanks to admirable strength of character and determination, this dream is becoming a reality today. The Club has made sure to stay as close as possible to Nabil over the past 9 months, we have never left each other, but I must nevertheless say that we are happy and moved to fully meet again today, to see Nabil again on the Luchin field and soon at the stadium with his teammates and our supporters."
As Lille prepares for their upcoming match against Rennes on Sunday, February 16, there's potential for Bentaleb to make his competitive return. However, the club is expected to take a cautious approach, gradually reintegrating him into the squad before he makes his first start since the cardiac incident.
