Mehmet On Serious Injury: "It's Made Me Stronger"

Melis Mehmet says she’s excited to kickstart her Watford career after taking a big step in her recovery from a long-term injury.

Having come off the bench in the 6-1 win over QPR in October for her first appearance since suffering a serious knee injury nearly two years previous, the midfielder was handed her first start in the Golden Girls’ last outing at Plymouth Argyle.

“It was a great feeling,” smiled Mehmet. “It took a long time and I knew it was going to be challenging but we’ve got here now.

“My first milestone was the QPR game and I was a bit nervous beforehand, to be honest, as it had been one year and nine months since my injury, but the crowd were so supportive.

“Then to get my first start in what is probably over two years at Plymouth was a weird but really good feeling. To be able to walk out with the girls and start a match was so special and I’m really grateful for the opportunity.

“It’s always good to play and I’ve waited such a long time, so it was a moment me and my family and friends have been waiting for.

“Hopefully I’ll make as much of an impact as I can now and our aim is to make promotion, so I want to do what I can for the team and hopefully we’ll go on from there.”

When going through such a prolonged recovery period it’s inevitable there’ll be some dark moments, but Mehmet says she managed to keep a positive mindset.

“Mentally it was challenging because it got to a point where I didn’t know when I was going to be back,” said the 21-year-old.

“I also didn’t know what the process would be like as I’ve never been seriously injured before. I had great support around me though – my teammates, coaches and physios – everyone was so supportive.

“I never once considered giving up. I always knew I wanted to be back so I just kept going, didn’t stop and that led me to here.”

A regular supporter from the sidelines at Grosvenor Vale, Mehmet felt it was important to be present for as many matches and training sessions as possible.

“I came to almost every game to support the girls,” said the former Arsenal and London City Lionesses player.

“It did get quite lonely at times, being out on the side and watching games, but it’s all part of it. 

“There was a period where watching training and games, I would wonder when I was going to be back, but I was always there when I could be, even if I was struggling.

“I feel like it’s made me stronger as a person and as a player. There were days when I did struggle but it’s made me appreciate even the little things like running, jogging and walking normally. I’m just loving every session, to be honest.”

Having signed for the Hornets in 2022 under Damon Lathrope, Mehmet is now looking forward to making her mark under new Head Coach Renée Hector.

“It’s been two seasons that I’ve missed so it would just be nice to get in the flow of things now and start playing more games and getting minutes,” she said.

“We’ve got a new group of staff and Renée hadn’t seen me play much so obviously things are a bit different, but I’ve been learning more about her and she’s been learning more about the sort of player I am.

“Things change in football all the time though so it’s been fun and I’m just so glad to be back.”