It has been a long and arduous journey back from injury for Manuel Bleda. The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is on the horizon as the popular striker now has the HK FA Cup final and possible Hong Kong team selection to look forward to.
“It has been a long journey for me to play again and there were some hard and painful memories and moments during these times.”
Bleda has done his ‘time’ in Hong Kong and now has a HK passport and is excited at the prospect of having the chance to play for his adopted home.
“I am very happy to have a chance to play for Hong Kong as I have spent a long-time waiting for this opportunity.
I know I still need to be more fit because after a long-time of not playing properly. It is not easy to come back from long-term injury, but if I have the opportunity to play then I will give my 100%.”
Bleda was part of the Eastern team that triumphed in the 2024 FA cup final classic against Sham Shui Po and he is looking forward to the final on May 31st against Rangers.
“The FA cup final is very important, not only for me, but for the whole team. It is the last game of the season and we want to win to celebrate with our fans. I will be very happy if we win the FA cup.”
Football, like life, is often a complex and complicated journey and Bleda is back on track thanks to a great support network.
“Finally, I am back on the right path thanks to my family, friends, physios, coaches and teammates and I am enjoying football again.”
Winning the FA cup again with Eastern would mark a fairy tale return for Bleda though Rangers may beg to differ.
FA Cup Final – Eastern Versus Rangers – May 31st – MongKok Stadium
