Owen Hargreaves today revealed his delight at returning to first-team action after making his debut for Manchester City in the Carling Cup last night.
Hargreaves, who signed on a free transfer at the end of the transfer window after being released by Manchester United, has been plagued by injury problems that have restricted him to just five appearances in the last three seasons.
But the 30-year-old England midfielder, who scored the first goal in City's 2-0 win at home against Birmingham, is confident he can put those problems behind him now.
"I don't think people would believe me if I said everything that went on," he said. "But I am just happy to be back as I never anticipated in my life I would be out for three years - but I am back and I am happy.
"There were times when it looked bleak and I spoke to the best medical people and asked if I was barking up the wrong tree, as it was ridiculous but they said I had football left in me and I believe that too.
"I think there was a misconception, I just needed to get in the right direction and the staff and everyone have done well. It will take a bit of time to get into the tempo but so far it has been great."
Hargreaves was left out of City's Champions League squad but manager Roberto Mancini defended that decision. The Italian said: "We didn't know what his condition would be when we had to decide.
"It was difficult. It is possible we could bring him in during January. He hasn't had any problems in the last three weeks. At the moment his knee is fine."
