Wellington Phoenix have re-signed promising youngster Alex Rufer to a new two-year deal.
The New Zealand international extended his contract until the end of 2018, which was reward for effort after Rufer broke his leg nine months ago.
"It was a pretty sad day. I was lost. So down," Rufer said to the club website about the injury.
"All I ever wanted was to be a professional footballer and the negative thoughts took over at the start.
"Once I started to feel better my mood improved and I became determined that day wouldn't end my career.
"I was told it would be at least 12 months before I could play again but I made it in 9 months and 5 days."
Head Coach Ernie Merrick was pleased to have Rufer back at the club and is excited for the 20-year-old to fight for his place in the first-team.
"The boy has worked really hard to get back to fitness,"ย Merrick said.
"It was a horrendous leg break, but Alex was still tough enough to hop off the pitch and receive a yellow card on the way off!
"He has been conscientious with his rehab program and has been training the house down this pre-season.
"He is good enough now to get some game time so we will use him in the next few matches.
"Alex is one of the better up-and-coming talents in this country and he and Matt Ridenton are starting to put pressure on the senior players, as they should be doing."
