Mario Vušković celebrates emotional return from four-year doping ban with 7,000 HSV fans
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Mario Vušković returns to Hamburger SV’s training for the first time on Tuesday since November 2022. The center-back was banned for doping for nearly four years, despite his claim of innocence to this day.
HSV fans were behind the 24-year-old Croat the whole time, and they were also present in numbers for his return to training on Tuesday. Due to the huge demand, HSV moved part of this week’s training to Volksparkstadion.
About 7,000 fans chanted his name, prepared banners in his native language and applauded him at the end of the session. "The way was far, the goal is close. Welcome back, Mario Vušković." read one of the banners.
According to Kicker, Tim Walter, Sebastian Schonlau and Jonas Meffert were present for the occasion. Including the 50-year-old coach, all three are currently at Holstein Kiel, but they wanted to show their support for their former colleague.
Miro Muheim and goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes are the only players left from the squad in Vušković’s last game. "It was a very special moment to have Mario (Vušković) back with us. We always believed in his innocence. Mario is incredibly strong in character, a special person." said the former after today’s session.
There are still restrictions that prevent the former U21 Croatia international from playing games until November 22nd, the day of the Nordderby away at Werder Bremen. Other than that, he’s also prohibited from giving interviews, signing autographs and being involved in marketing campaigns by the club.
"He will help us with his mere presence. He has managed to survive these four years and will work towards his return to the pitch. I am firmly convinced of that.” Muheim added about the influence of the returnee.
HSV board member Eric Huwer agrees with Muheim’s verdict. “We have now met the entire family. His parents Sanja and Daniel, and last year Luka. I'm sure if someone makes it, he'll be called Vušković. Mario will be back.”
The traditional club had his younger brother Luka on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last season. After his excellent campaign in HSV’s first season back in the Bundesliga, the 19-year-old defender joined fellow Premier League side Brighton for €54 million. To help him with his long-awaited return, Mario Vušković hired a physical trainer in Josko Vlasic, a Croatian decathlon champion.
