Player reveals how hidden Stoke injury ruined spell at club – Still enjoyed time there despite struggles

Malmo FF forward Sead Haksabanovic has revealed he was in constant pain while at Stoke, but still enjoyed his time there more than anywhere else so far in his career.

That brought an end to a two-year stay at the Scottish giants, who he joined in 2022 from Rubin Kazan after spells with Halmstads, West Ham, Malaga, Norrkoping and Djurgården.

His time in Europe proved to be something of a difficult one as he failed to settle at any of the clubs he played for, Stoke included.

Haksabanovic joined them on loan from Celtic in September but only managed 21 appearances last season, scoring one goal and registering two assists in total.

He started the season brightly for the Potters, bagging an assist in the 2-2 draw with Huddersfield in September and then a goal in Stoke’s 3-2 win over Bristol City ten days later.

However, he soon found himself out of the team and playing a substitute role in the squad, something he now reveals was caused by an injury.

“I started well, scored some goals and assists and was chosen as player of the month,” he said.

“But then, after barely playing anything at Celtic at the end, I went to play a lot and then I got an overload, a groin injury.

“I never really recovered from it because after 45 minutes I was in pain. And when I was back – well, then the coach had been fired and the new one explained that he had other plans.

“Otherwise, Stoke is actually, apart from HBK, the club I’ve had the most fun in. It was a good group.”