New Mexico United’s Big Dev returns

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Devon Sandoval is officially back after missing over ten games. New Mexico United announced Thursday it was re-signing the star forward.

After spending time off the pitch recovering from a blood clot in his artery, Sandoval is itching to be back in action.

He’s been practicing with the team officially now for almost two full weeks and said it’s been great to be back.

Sandoval’s teammates have been just as important of a support system as Sandoval’s actual family. They said they’re happy he’s back on the roster, but happier he’s healthy again.

Sandoval has spent his off-time working with the academy and getting a new perspective on everything.

“I honestly feel like I’m better in every facet of my life physically, mentally, spiritually and I feel like I’m a better person for it,” he said.

Being forced to stop doing what he loves has made him appreciate the game so much more.

 About 900,000 people are affected by venous thrombosis a year, according to the CDC.

Symptoms vary depending on which type of blood clot you have, but symptoms of deep vein thrombosis are things like swelling or tenderness, and symptoms of pulmonary embolism can include difficulty breathing or fast or irregular heartbeat, according to the CDC.

In Sandoval’s case, the clot in his heart could have been related to a mini heart attack.

It’s unclear if Sandoval will take to the pitch this Saturday against Phoenix Rising at Isotopes Park, but he said he’s ready.