“Especially my girlfriend got a lot from it”

Injury lay to Berra

“Especially my girlfriend got a lot from it”

Friborg goalie Reto Berra (36) is aiming for a comeback after surviving a period of suffering and back surgery. And wants to play for five more years.

Published: 4 minutes ago

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Friborg goalie Reto Berra became a whiner because of his back problems.

Reto Berra has not stood in the Gottéron Gate since October 7, 2022. His back pain had gotten so bad that he had to have an operation. The suffering made the 36-year-old create. “It wasn’t an easy time and it gave me a lot to think about,” says the national goalie from Bülach. Berra was frustrated and in a bad mood. “My girlfriend in particular got a lot out of it. I’m just a bad actor. If I’m not feeling well, I’ll show it,” he admits.

But now Berra sees light at the end of the tunnel again, is working on his comeback and is happy again. “When I see what else is going on in the world, it’s nothing,” he says. “I had a good career and was almost never injured until 2015, when I played for Colorado.” At that time he had to take a two-month break due to a foot injury.

At the moment, the keeper, who won World Cup silver with the Nati in 2013 and 2018, is only a spectator when Gottéron is playing. “Before the injury, I left home at 4:30 p.m. to prepare. Now I leave at 7:00 p.m. for the game. That has to change again.”

The strength in the left leg is still missing

At the end of the month the suffering should be over. The last MRI showed that everything is fine with the intervertebral disc. But Berra still lacks the strength in his left leg to reach 100 percent performance. “And the joints and nerves aren’t healed yet. That still hinders me. But it’s only a matter of time. But no one wants to give me an exact time horizon.”

However, he has set a goal for himself: He wants to play against the ZSC Lions again on February 3rd. “When the strength is 100 percent back, I need a week and some good training to return to the team.”

And Berra is already looking further ahead. Instead of talking about life after his career, he talks about two big name goalies. Martin Gerber and Ari Sulander are his role models. “Both played until they were 41. I want to go there too.” Berra’s contract expires in 2024. But the Zurich lowlander would like to continue with Gottéron. “I really like it here. I’m very satisfied and that’s what counts in real life.”