FORMER Premier League star Andre Wisdom has returned to professional football four years after he was stabbed.
The 31-year-old has signed a short-term contract with Northern Irish side Derry City.
Wisdom came through the ranks at Liverpool and made 22 appearances for the club, featuring alongside the likes of Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez.
The right-back was then loaned out to West Brom and Norwich in the top-flight before sealing a permanent switch to Derby.
But in 2020, the player was stabbed in the head and buttocks by a group of masked robbers who stole his watch.
Wisdom was walking back to his car in Liverpool after a gathering when he was the victim of the unprovoked attack.
He returned to the pitch a year later but admitted he was “not the same” player he used to be after several operations.
The ex-England Under-21s star was without a club for two years and then joined non-league side Warrington Town last season.
And after now penning a deal at Derry, Wisdom said: “I can now say again I have a job.
“The will was always there, but it felt like it wasn’t the way at times.
“Perseverance, mindset, keeping going. You’ve got to keep training. It’s led me here.
“I’m quite proud of myself for getting back into full-time football.
“I always say why not? Any opportunity is a good opportunity, especially in football.
“I’ve had a while out of football because of things that happened off the pitch.
“I’m fit, raring to go, I’ve done a full pre-season and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
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