I just wanted to be back!

Peter Olayinka overcame Covid-19 in past weeks and returned in time to help Slavia beat Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League.

Peter Olayinka overcame Covid-19 during last weeks, missed Slavia game against Beer Sheva, but came from the bench to save the red-whites in the second match of UEFA Europa League against Bayer Leverkusen as he headed in Stanciu’s cross ten minutes before the full time. It was a real sacrifice, Olayinka was not 100% ready for the game, as Slavia manager Jindřich Trpšovský admitted later, and he broke his nose during his goalscoring opportunity.

“Everything happened so fast. I was very happy, excited. And I also broke my nose, but I am happy for the goal though. I happened after the goal, I think I got kicked, but I cannot really remember what exactly happened. I am going to watch the replay to find out,” said Nigerian striker on his injury.

Despite the broken nose, Olayinka found enough strength to celebrate his second goal in 2020/21 European competitions. “You know, when you score a goal, you are full of excitement. So, this is what happened to me this time,” Olayinka continued.

Slavia won their first European game in more than a year and after two unsuccessful games against Midtjylland and Beer Sheva. “I think in this game we regained our courage and our confidence. It’s very important for us and I am glad we won. Now we must focus on the next match and find the proper motivation again,” Slavia forward added.

And how does Olayinka feel after his pause caused by Covid-19? “I feel good now. Past few weeks have been tough for me, but it is what it is, and I don’t care anymore. I just wanted to be back, and I am back on the pitch now.”

Watch the complete post-match reaction on Slavia TV

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