A year ago Philippe Senderos was waging a desperate battle for fitness.
He had joined Fulham on a free from Arsenal where he failed to live up to his 'Swiss Tony' nickname.
He was supposed to be the man - named after the Fast Show character - who would succeed legendary Gunners defender Tony Adams.
Fulham was to be a fresh start but that lasted just one training session.
"I ruptured my Achilles, just like David Beckham had done," recalled 26-year-old Senderos. "In fact I had the same surgeon as him.
"Yes, you could say it was a difficult start, but from the very beginning I was determined to keep my head up and put myself in recovery mode. The club were fantastic with me. Thank God I recovered and I was able to play three games towards the end of the season."
Senderos was also recalled by his national team - "a great bonus," he called it - and pre-season has gone well under new Fulham boss Martin Jol.
"I worked so hard to get fit and now hopefully I am getting there," said Senderos, who played in Thursday's 4-0 Europa League qualifying win over Crusaders of Northern Ireland at Craven Cottage.
"I am just so happy to be playing again. Now I want to fight for my place."
His return to fitness would have surprised no-one among the backroom staff at Fulham. From day one after his injury, Senderos showed a determination and application that impressed everyone at the club.
"I tried to be as much around the boys as I could," he said. "I even travelled when I could with them to away games. For me, it was important that I stayed part of the group.
"And towards the end of the season, I trained with them as well.
"Now, I am just happy to be back and I am looking to enjoy my season and stay fit."
This summer witnessed managerial upheaval at Craven Cottage.
Mark Hughes quit and was replaced by Jol. But to Senderos, it has been a seamless transition.
"We try to play attacking football that is good to watch and is effective," he added.
"The important thing is to be in top form for the end of the season as well. But what we have here is competition for places and that can only be good. The aim? Another top ten finish and maybe even do better than last year when we finished eighth."