Paalberg: ‘It feels great that the long break is finally over’

Marten-Chris Paalberg said he was delighted to return to Estonia duty after a lengthy injury absence, despite having a goal ruled out in the 1-0 win over Luxembourg. The 18-year-old came on after the break and scored from Patrik Kristal’s pass, but the assistant referee raised the flag for offside. A VAR review upheld the decision.

Paalberg had played three times for Estonia last autumn before his injury. The Luxembourg match was his fourth appearance for the senior side. “It feels great that the long break is finally over. It would have been very good to come back with a goal, but I’m still in a very good mood,” he said. “I hope Monday goes the same way and perhaps I’ll score then.”

The striker, who has been making his way in France since being sold by Pärnu Vaprus last season, said his physical condition had improved over the past year. “In training, we push things to the limit and there are big lads up against us, so life is a bit harder,” he said. “That helped with those moments in this game too. I’ve put on more muscle over the past year. My physical condition has improved, but I feel I still have more work to do.”

Source: soccernet.ee