Tottenham star James Maddison posts heartbreaking statement after 'lowest low I've ever had'

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has admitted to being left "heartbroken" after suffering an ACL injury on the eve of the new season. After undergoing surgery, he will miss most if not all of Spurs' Premier League and Champions League campaigns, and faces a battle to get back up to top speed in time for the 2026 World Cup.

Maddison sustained the injury during a pre-season match against Newcastle, and was in visible pain while lying on the turf. He shared a photo on Instagram alongside his three children, opening up on the mental anguish that has followed.

"Lowest low I’ve ever had," Maddison wrote. "Heartbroken at the fact this injury has occurred at this time in my career. With the Super Cup tomorrow, the Premier League season on the horizon, the exciting Champions League campaign & it being a World Cup year for England it all feels very very cruel but nevertheless the ACL reconstruction surgery was successful.

"To all my close friends and family, your support and love means absolutely everything to me. To those of you who have gone out of your way to message on social media platforms in support of me and my recovery even when we don’t know each other personally, I appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know so thank you.

"And lastly to those of you who doubt, hate & mock. You truly motivate me to levels I didn’t know I had inside of me so again, thank you. See you all on the other side."

Spurs' new manager Thomas Frank will lead the team out in the Premier League for the first time on Saturday, with Burnley visiting North London. Before then, though, there is the small matter of the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.

Frank's predecessor Ange Postecoglou got them into the game through last season's Europa League triumph. The new boss has strengthened since then, with Mohammed Kudus among the summer arrivals, but Maddison's injury has prompted talk of a move for Crystal Palace star Ebere Eze.

Arsenal have also been linked with Eze, who is likely to cost any club north of £60million if he's to move this summer. Frank was asked about the England international in his press conference ahead of the Super Cup but didn't give much away.

"There are a lot of good players out there, there are also a few from the PSG team but I don't think we can buy them right now," the former Brentford boss told reporters. "In general, players in and players out, I'm only speaking if something is done or not done. I speak only about my own players."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.