Everton midfielder Aurora Galli has opened up about her long and difficult journey back from a serious knee injury, revealing that she dreamt about her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) the night before she ruptured it.
A Premonition of Injury
In September 2024, 83 minutes and three seconds into the first game of the Women's Super League season, Galli went down in agony. Everton were losing 4-0 to Brighton when she attempted to challenge for the ball and her standing leg buckled. The diagnosis confirmed a ruptured ACL. Reflecting on that day, Galli said: 'The night before, I couldn't sleep very well but I dreamt about my ACL. My sister also had a feeling that something would happen.'
Despite the severity of the injury, Galli insisted on walking off the pitch alone. 'I remember screaming and the doctor asked if I wanted oxygen. I said no because I'm very stubborn. I remember every single thing from that day.'
The Mental Toll
The 29-year-old Italy international described the emotional impact of the injury. 'The first day, I was not myself. I'm not a crying person but I was crying so much when no one could see me. Football was why I wake up in the morning. All the frustration you have, you can't put it away because you don't have football. It's really hard.'
She added: 'Every single step on the pitch, you wonder if there's any problem. Even if someone goes down, I feel so worried. It's something that will never go away.'
Driven by Euro 2025
Galli's motivation to return was immediate, with Italy having qualified for the 2025 European Championship. 'I had a Euros to go to. I pushed my recovery to return in seven and a half months. If I have a goal, I will arrive there no matter what.'
She made her return on the final day of the 2024-25 season, a four-minute cameo against Tottenham. Although she was not named in Italy's final squad, she was with the team as they reached a historic semi-final. 'I was not in the team but I was part of it. I'm very proud of them.'
Setbacks and Lessons
In hindsight, Galli admitted she pushed her recovery too hard. When she returned for pre-season, her knee cartilage swelled, forcing her to sit out until January. She eventually made a comeback against Manchester City. 'It was a balance I couldn't handle. That gave me more awareness of my body.'
Her return coincided with Everton's improved form, finishing eighth under interim manager Scott Phelan. Galli made five starts as she built up her minutes.
A Home at Everton
Galli joined Everton at 24, becoming the first Italian to play in the WSL. She described the club as a family. 'I know how to help people push to be the best version of themselves. If that means being a leader, yes. I focus on what I love, and if others love it too, we work together.'
Looking ahead, Galli plans a summer break with her partner, Chelsea's Nathalie Björn, before focusing on the World Cup. She acknowledged that her body has changed permanently. 'I still don't feel myself, and I don't think I will again. An ACL injury changes your body and the way you think. It's about growing and accepting the change.'
