Tom Brady, New England quarterback, quashed concerns over his injured right ankle, which has been a hot topic in the lead-up to the clash against the New York Giants in Super Bowl 42 on Sunday.
"My ankle feels great," said Brady, the NFL Most Valuable Player.
"I practised a full day yesterday. I think we had one incompletion in practice. It feels great."
Brady, who has guided the Patriots to an unprecedented 18-0 record this season, was spotted last week visiting his supermodel girlfriend Giselle Bundchen wearing a protective boot, sparking excited speculation over an injury to the star player ahead of the biggest game of the season.
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"I really feel that by the game it's going to feel great, and there will be no issues."
Tom Brady,
Patriots quarterback |
Although he soon dispensed with the boot, Brady missed several team work-outs before practising in Arizona on Monday with the ankle taped.
Bill Belichick, Patriots coach, has kept quiet on Brady's health, and many of his teammates have tried to treat the matter lightheartedly.
When asked how Brady looked at practice on Monday, Wes Welker, Patriots wide receiver, replied: "He looked great. He has the same dimples and everything."
No issues
Fellow wide receiver Randy Moss said he didn't think the injury, reportedly a mild high ankle sprain, would prevent Brady from playing in a game in which the Patriots could become just the second team in NFL history to complete an undefeated championship campaign.
"Tom is a warrior," Moss said.
"I look forward to seeing him out there on Sunday."
Brady himself said the ankle was improving every day.
"It's doing good," the 30-year-old said.
"I'm feeling better each day. I'm glad we had the week off and I had the chance to rest a little bit. I really feel that by the game it's going to feel great, and there will be no issues.
"Not that I can run anyway, but hopefully I'll be able to skirt around some of those guys who are trying to tear my head off."
The Super Bowl will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday.