Liverpool winger Harry Kewell admits he had doubts over his future in football.
Liverpool winger Harry Kewell admits he had doubts over his future in football after what has been an injury-plagued season at Anfield.
Kewell barely played for his club in the last 12 months which meant he missed out on most of their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
The 28-year-old made only three appearances - all as a substitute - for Liverpool towards the end of last season and admits his frustration and disappointment left him in some doubt as to his future in football.
The Australian international said it was the support and encouragement from his family and friends and the Liverpool coaching staff that convinced him not to quit the game.
"Thoughts like that did creep into my mind but I had a strong team behind me, strong family behind me and I had fantastic people with me 24/7," he said.
"And from the confidence I had from them, that pulled me through.
"There were fleeting thoughts. You get over one injury and then another one appears and then all of a sudden you're wound up in one big mess and you think, am I ever going to be the same?"
Kewell has been named in the Australia squad for next month's Asian Cup in South-East Asia for which the Socceroos are amongst the tournament favourites.
And Kewell see's the tournament as an ideal opportunity to build up to full-match fitness ahead of the start of the Premier League season in August.
"I feel great," added Kewell. "It's hard work out here, it's very hot, very humid but the team's looking well, the team's looking fit and everything's going well.
"Hopefully I can get a run out but we'll just have to wait and see.
"It's the first pre-season I've done in probably a couple of years so my body's a bit stiff, but no less stiff than anyone else's and it's to be expected.
"I've been off for 12 months now and you almost claim that as a little retirement.
"It's rested my body, mentally and physically.
"I'm ready now for the new challenge."
