Mathew Tait expressed this thanks to Leicester Tigers after he returned from a long-term groin injury against the Maori All Blacks on Tuesday.
Tait's return was the end of 13 months on the sidelines and the former England international understandably was delighted to be back.
"At some stage in this sport, you are going to be injured, and it was just unfortunate for me that I have had my shoulder and groin injuries back-to-back," Tait told the Leicester Mercury.
"The problem with my groin was that the injury was unlike anything I have ever had before, and it never had a definitive recovery period.
"It has been very frustrating, but the club have been fantastic supporting me through it.
"I want to repay them for sticking by me. I am still only 26 and, hopefully, have a few more years left in me.
"It was good to get back out there and the body is all right, touch wood, apart from a bit of cramp in my calves in the last 10 minutes.
"It was nice to get the landmark of playing 80 minutes, which was important to me.
"Some areas of my game need improving and were far from perfect, but that will come from playing more games.
"Hopefully, I will get a chance to improve during the next few weeks.
"With the squad we have got here at Leicester, it is all about getting involved because that is hard enough in itself.
"Hopefully, I can play against London Irish and then put myself in the frame for selection against Wasps in the Premiership the following week."
Comments
sirtidychris says...
good luck matt hope you can find your former form and pace and stay injury free, will be interesting to see where you slot into the back line i still reckon he's an OC but with Manu in the team he'll probably be FB replacement for murphy, may find his way onto the england bench one day as an austin healey type sub covering the wing fullback and centre.
Posted 12:33 15th November 2012
Centre12 says...
Good luck with the comeback Matty Tait, hopefully see you in England colours some time soon although in what position i'm not sure great bench player who could cover wing and centre.
Posted 09:14 15th November 2012