The 30-year-old footballer broke his leg in two places after an innocent collision on the training pitch with defender Dionatan Teixeira last year. Ireland was subsequently ruled out from participating in competitive matches for more than 340 days.

Speaking to Aspetar media team, Ireland said:

“I had been struggling to get back to full fitness and thought I had tried everything, but then I got to Aspetar. We weren’t sure I was going to make it back to full fitness. Luckily, my hopes have been answered and I am going back to my club fit and healthy. I can’t wait to start playing again.”

“I had heard about Aspetar through other players who have been here already, such as Jack Butland, my teammate, and Shay Given. They spoke so highly of the place that I knew Aspetar could offer me an answer and, if it didn’t, then perhaps there really was no way back for me. It was a great decision to come here.”

“Luckily, thanks to Aspetar, I am in a position to return next season. I still have few things to achieve and a bit more training to do, but I am very close now. Hopefully, it’s just a matter of weeks,” he said.

During his stay at Aspetar, Ireland benefited from Aspetar’s renowned specialist expertise in sports medicine, sports science, orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation. As part of the hospital’s efforts to help athletes achieve maximum performance and reach their full potential, Aspetar’s team took Ireland through a comprehensive treatment process to assess his injury and prepared a treatment plan to get him back on the field as quickly as possible.

Ireland also spoke highly of Aspetar’s facilities and experts, saying:

“The facilities here are fantastic and completely exceeded what I was expecting. For me, these facilities are the best in the world - you won’t find them anywhere else. I am really happy that I made the decision to come here. I can’t speak highly enough of the staff and I am very grateful for everything they have done for me.”

On a separate note, Ireland shared his thoughts on Qatar’s preparations for the World Cup in 2022, saying:

“There is a lot of work underway but it’s a beautiful place already. I’d love to return for training and also with my family. It’s very friendly and I have really enjoyed my time here, so, hopefully, I will return to watch some of the games.”

Aspetar boasts one of the most advanced rehabilitation departments in the region, which forms an integral aspect of its multidisciplinary approach to athlete management. The hospital’s method focuses on assessment and treatment of injured athletes by implementing personalised injury treatment programmes.

Utilising an evidence-based approach, Aspetar’s experienced practitioners aim to return patients to their pre-injury lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible. It has a proven track record of treating international athletes from the PGA, WTA, ATP, World leaders in track and field, weightlifting and professional footballers from all major leagues, including the Premier League, Bundesliga and Ligue 1.