Planet Swans ArchivesThe Swansea City midfielder has just about been totally out of action for almost two years despite a couple of false starts on his road to recovery and now faces an uphill battle to save his career following his injury.
Talks have taken place over a new contract but Rodgers believes that the club have the staff in place to treat the player and give him his best chance of recovery
"I have had conversations with Ferrie and he respects where I am coming from," he told the Evening Post
"He has done the early part of his rehabilitation in Holland, but I want him to be over here.
"We have got a terrific staff at this club and a great medical team who work very hard.
"I understand there was no-one in the football conditioning role last season, no-one to provide that link between the football side and the medical side.
"But I have addressed that by bringing in Ryland Morgans, someone who has worked at the top level, and that will allow Ferrie to do one-on-one rehab work.
"This could be Ferrie's last chance to be a football player, and I want to give him every chance to succeed.
"I want to be here for Ferrie every day
"I know there are times when it's a lonely road and he can go back to Holland when those times come.
"But for three weeks or three and a half weeks of the month, he will be here working with us and feeling the atmosphere of the group.
"There is a real positive spirit around the players and that can help his rehab mentally.
"I'm aware of the part Ferrie played in the progress of this club," Rodgers continued.
"With him, Darren Pratley and Leon Britton in midfield, Swansea had as strong a three as you can get at that time.
"Losing Ferrie for the last couple of years has been a massive blow for the club, but I want to help him get back.
"I want him to feel part of this club.
"I think there has been talk of a new contract, so the club are showing their commitment.
"I want us to push on with that so Ferrie has that certainty in his mind."
