Edoardo Bove's journey back to the pitch has been nothing short of remarkable, but the former Roma midfielder admits the road has been tougher than he anticipated. After collapsing during a Serie A match in December 2024 due to a cardiac arrest, Bove was revived on the field and fitted with an implanted defibrillator—a device that ultimately forced him to leave Italy due to strict regulations prohibiting athletes from playing with such implants.

The 23-year-old signed for Watford in January 2026, making the brave move to restart his career in the Championship. In his first season, Bove made 11 appearances, scoring one goal, though only two of those came as a starter. Reflecting on his return, Bove wrote on Instagram: "After more than a year away from the field, these four months meant a lot. I am happy to have started again and to put football back at the centre of my life."

But the midfielder was also candid about the challenges. "I cannot deny I had hoped it would be easier to find space, the match tempo, and sensations of a real game," he shared. "However, this too is football: wanting to return isn't enough, you must earn it all back, day by day."

Bove's determination is clear, but his future at Watford remains uncertain. While his contract runs until 2031, reports suggest a clause allows the club to terminate the deal early. As long as he carries the implant, he cannot play in his native Italy, making every step forward a testament to his resilience. For now, Bove is focused on what he can control: "I am ready—the next season has already started for me."