Reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez says the surgery he had on his left shoulder in December was “worse” and more “aggressive” than expected.
Marquez revealed at the conclusion of his fifth title-winning premier class season in 2019 he had suffered a shoulder dislocation early in the year, and this hindered him throughout the campaign.
He underwent an operation in December, just weeks after he dislocated the shoulder twice during the Valencia race weekend.
Speaking during the Repsol Honda livery launch in Madrid on Wednesday, he said: “It's been one of the most boring winters in my life, but I had to sacrifice this winter to recover.
“I want to thank the effort from everyone, but especially my physiotherapy team; actually, he has been there 24 hours a day.
“In the beginning it was a bit complicated, the operation was a bit worse than we were all expecting – including myself.
“[It] was very aggressive. The recovery, trying to put all the effort [in to recover], you know your body requires certain timing [to heal], and that's what we're trying to respect right now.
“The goal is very clear: to be there in the first race and just go 100 percent.”
Marquez also admitted following his operation he considered remaining in hospital, such was the extent of the injury, but says he is now “almost ready”.
“It was hard. I've had injuries before, and they hurt, but nothing happened; you always improve,” he added.
“But for a couple of weeks it really hurt [enough] for me to say 'no, I'd rather be here at the hospital for a few more days'.
“I couldn't seen myself at home, it was a complicated surgery but we are almost ready, we are in the process [of recovery].
“I can already go to the gym, get some strength in my muscles. I want to be ready for [the first test in] Malaysia.”
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