Former Fulham and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Zoltan Gera has expressed his gratitude to the club for the manner in which they have supported him following his latest injury.
The Hungarian international had only recently returned to full fitness when he picked up a serious knee problem in the home defeat to Tottenham at the end of November.
Gera has now been ruled out for the "foreseeable future" but insists West Brom's backing has helped him come to terms with the setback.
Indeed, the 32-year-old claims he is more determined than ever to fight his way back to fitness and regain his first-team spot at The Hawthorns.
"I didn't even think about retiring (after sustaining the new injury)," Gera told Hungarian daily Nemzeti Sport. "What I thought about was to believe that it wasn't a serious injury. But then it came to light after the MRI examination that it was serious.
"I'll be out for a long time but I'll be back and stronger than ever. No-one should feel sorry for me because I don't need it at all. I'm very positive regarding my career."
Zoltan Gera Quotes of the week
"I don't believe you should think the worst immediately. All that happened is that my injury was followed by another one, I was unlucky. I'll be out for a long time but I'll be back and stronger than ever.
"It's interesting that in England no-one asked whether my career was in danger, everyone was positive and supportive. What's more, I'm more recognised more here (in England) than at home - here no-one cares about my age.
"No-one should feel sorry for me because I don't need it at all. I'm very positive regarding my career.
"It's true it was tough for me because I had been back after my previous knee injury and I had been looking forward to playing again. I enjoyed playing, the manager, the media and the fans praised me and I felt everything was great. But then we know what happened next.
"At West Brom everyone knows me and my personality and everyone knows what to expect from me. What annoys me is that the club signed me as an injured player but they were hopeful that I would help the team with great play.
"I would like to express my gratitude for their trust, for their money and for everything that I got (from West Brom)."