“People were telling me this will be the last time I play football, all I want to do is prove them wrong.”
Gloucester City midfielder Aaron Wildig is defying the limits by proving that you can continue doing what you enjoy, even despite suffering one of the most dreaded injuries in football.
“It’s been really challenging, and I’m pleased to be back, but it was a serious injury, obviously, so yeah, it’s going to take its time.” Wildig sustained the injury back last season in November while at his former club, Newport County.
Unfortunately for Wildig, the injury didn’t just rule him out for the rest of the season, it also brought his time at Newport to an end.
“The pain wore off a fair whack after 10 minutes,” he says, recalling the moment with a small nod. “But then I spent the evening thinking it could be bad, but it could also be ok.”
He pauses for a moment, as if replaying that night in his head. There’s a hint of hope in his words, but also the memory of uncertainty.
“Then, when I woke up the following morning, I knew I was in a bad place.
I was in a lot of pain.”
The way he says it is steady, but there’s weight behind it, the acceptance that comes with his experience.
“It’s so tough mentally and physically,” he admits. “There were a lot of things going on outside of football in terms of kids and obviously needing a job and trying to prove people wrong in terms of getting back.
I think that really kept me driven.”
“Having that ambition to get back on the pitch in some form of capacity,” he adds, with quiet determination. “Yeah, I really didn’t want that injury to define that it was the end of my career.”
The 33-year-old made his first appearance back in late September against Farnham Town, but for different colours, joining ex-Coach Dafydd Williams’ Southern Premier side, Gloucester City.
“Even though I dropped down a few levels, when you sign a 33 or 34-year-old off the back of a serious injury, it comes with its risks.
“So Daf (Dafydd Williams) going out and seeing the value in me still was great, I’m really thankful for that”.
Welcome to City, Aaron Wildig!
— Gloucester City AFC (@GCAFCofficial) June 12, 2025
The vastly experienced former Morcambe and Newport County captain joins as player/coach! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/uiOLQrYWJm
Despite suffering such a long-term injury, Wildig seems more motivated than ever, hoping for yet another promotion in his career.
“I think ultimately, we as a football club want to get promoted.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have three or four promotions over my career, it doesn’t matter what level it’s at, whether it’s League Two, League One or the Southern Premier League, I want to go and get involved in a squad that goes on and pushes for a successful season.
I’m certainly not delusional to think that I could just step in and go and play five, six games on the bounce, because I’m certainly not at that point, but hopefully soon.”
