SEATTLE, WASH. – Former Sounders FC midfielder Steve Zakuani today released his new book, 500 Days, available now for purchase via Amazon.com. With the publication’s foreword written by Seattle Head Coach Sigi Schmid, 500 Days chronicles Zakuani’s recovery from a double-leg break in 2011 to a return to Sounders FC’s starting lineup almost a year-and-a-half later.
"This book began as an outlet for my frustration over my many injuries, but it's now turned into what I hope will be a story that inspires people to pursue their dreams and stand tall in the face of adversity,” said Zakuani. “I hope that people will be inspired by my story. After going through what I went through, what I've learned is that, no matter how bad things get, we can always get back up. That's the message I hope people take from my life story.”
Zakuani continues, “I once again want to thank the Sounders organization, fans, and the city of Seattle for how they supported me through my injury and recovery. I would never have returned to playing without their support."
Zakuani is holding a book-signing event at noon on Saturday, February 14 at the CenturyLink Pro Shop, located at 800 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98134. Media interested in attending should contact a member of Sounders FC Communications.
In April of 2011, Zakuani suffered a fractured tibia and fibula early in his third professional season. What came after was a recovery full of complications, setbacks and adversity, but Seattle’s former number one MLS SuperDraft selection endured, eventually making his way back into Schmid’s starting lineup exactly 500 days later. He went on to play for two more MLS seasons before announcing his retirement following the 2014 campaign.
“I’m excited for Steve and his book, because I know how important it is for him to tell his story,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Sigi Schmid. “I think Steve’s message can be applied not just to the sport of soccer, but to life in general – specifically how to overcome obstacles and triumph over emotional and physical challenges. I was honored to write the foreword and be a part of this project.”
Zakuani finished his career with 17 goals and 17 assists in 97 appearances from 2009-14. He is tied for fifth in Sounders FC history in goals and sixth in assists, and was tied for the team-lead in 2010 with 10 strikes to his name.
ABOUT 500 DAYS
On April 22 2011, while playing the best football of his career, Steve Zakuani suffered a double leg break that put his career in jeopardy. Several surgeries and complications during his rehab raised serious doubts over whether he would ever return to the field. Never one to give into adversity, Zakuani was able to overcome all of his setbacks and return to the Sounders starting line up on September 2, 2012. Between his injury, and his full return, exactly five hundred days elapsed. This book is about Zakuani’s 500-day journey to get back on the field – the setbacks, doubts, fears, victories and successes – 500 Days is a story about overcoming adversity. Featuring stories from his childhood, his journey from Africa to London, and memories from his early days with the Sounders, Zakuani’s story contains inspirational life lessons about never giving up on your dreams.
