There was an American progressing through youth ranks at Barcelona alongside USMNT keeper Diego Kochen. That’s Adrian Gill, who unfortunately suffered an ACL injury and went through two knee surgeries. Now in MLS with Atlanta United, Gill spoke about that dark period. The 20-year-old was speaking on UNDERWAY: A Soccer Podcast 🗣️ “The actual hardest part of that was the first two months is when you can't walk at all,” Gill said. “I couldn't walk, couldn't put any weight on it. And those two months were just tough. “It was a big change in my life. First time I'd gone that long without playing soccer, not being able to walk, not being able to do the things I love, like just going to play padel or sports with my friends or do anything. So that was the hardest part. “And then once you get through that, you're like, ‘Alright, everything else is easy.’ “And that was my mentality the whole time. Like, I'm just gonna focus on rehab the best I can, put as much work, like the same work I put on the field, I'll put it in here so I can come back better. “And then when I got the second surgery, that was the biggest doubt. I'm like, I just worked so hard, you know, for twelve months to come back, and I got another surgery. So that was definitely the lowest point. “I've said this before, but I wouldn't say I was burnt out from soccer, but I will say I just, it was so serious in my head. Like, I almost stopped enjoying it. “Being away from the game for that long, like even after two months, I was like, ‘Alright, I love it, I need to be back.’ “But yeah, after three years of not really playing a game, I can't live without it now. “I don't think I'm at the level like 100 percent even now, and I'd say even the first couple two games that I played, getting my first 50-50 duel, I was being like, ‘Alright, I'm okay. My body's good.’ “Then I do a weird turn and still being okay. Yeah. Those were all, like, big steps I’ve had this year. “And that's awesome. That’s why I'm so happy with this year, like I at least trust my body again.” Gill has been spending time with Atlanta United and Atlanta United 2 to get his rhythm back. He’s still very ambitious and aims to play in the UEFA Champions League one day. He’s also taking online college courses from the University of Florida to get a degree.