Lens: "It was very complicated personally," Gradit savours his return after having to "fight my negative thoughts"

Gradit returned to action in September after nearly a year out with a tibia-fibula fracture, admitting he battled negative thoughts and considered retirement during his recovery.

Jonathan Gradit, Lens's veteran centre-back, has returned to competitive action after a ten-month absence following a closed fracture of his right tibia-fibula sustained in November 2025. The 33-year-old made his comeback in Ligue 1 matches against Le Mans and Monaco in September. Speaking to media ahead of Lens's fixture against Lyon, Gradit reflected on the psychological toll of his injury, revealing he experienced periods of loneliness and negative thoughts, even contemplating retirement. Despite the club, family and close ones providing strong support, he described the recovery as deeply challenging on a personal level.