🥹 Joel Graterol full of gratitude at América de Cali

After 297 days of inactivity, the 28-year-old goalkeeper has returned to defend La Mechita’s jersey against Tigres FC in the Copa Colombia.

América de Cali achieved a resounding 5-0 victory at home against Tigres FC and will travel to Bogotá with a wide advantage to seek a spot in the Copa Colombia quarterfinals.

One of the highlights of this match was the return of Joel Graterol, who was a mere spectator against Tigres’ offensive inefficiency, but showed happiness about his return.

“First and foremost, thank God for my return. It has been a long wait and it has been very optimal, I’m very happy about the victory and the clean sheet, it’s very significant to return to playing officially,” Graterol said to América en La Red’s microphones.

“It was quite long. First time I had an injury like this and I faced it with faith in God, and with the commitment and discipline to get closer to my return every day. I have to thank the physios, Jaime and Jorge, the doctors; coach Ricardo, goalkeeper coach… they took days that were theirs and others that weren’t to get me back to 100%,” he commented.

Gabriel Raimondi can now count on the Venezuelan goalkeeper for all competitions, which represents a great morale boost for a squad that aims to fight for several objectives.