Sunday 5 April 2015 16:17, UK
Thiago Alcantara admitted it was an "emotional moment" as he made his Bayern Munich return during their 1-0 win at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Thiago came off the bench for the last 20 minutes of Bayern's victory at the Westfalenstadion for his first appearance since March 29 last year following a horror run of injuries.
Having torn knee ligaments in Bayern's 3-3 draw with Hoffenheim in March, Thiago re-injured the same joint last May in training.
It meant another operation and extended his time on the sidelines, before a third knee injury during rehabilitation last October.
"It was difficult because I couldn't count the days - I was counting months," Thiago told the official Bundesliga website.
"So it was tough. Every day was like the next final. I fought my way there and now I've got to enjoy it.
"I don't have to fight anymore, I just have to enjoy it."
Absense
In total, Thiago missed 53 games for Bayern and sat out the World Cup, but he was just relieved to get back on the pitch after such a lengthy absence.
"As a footballer, we live for this," said the Spaniard. "It's been a long and difficult year, but now I'm back. I don't have the words to describe it.
"Football for people is just a game, but you can see from the crowd how emotional they are, so it's more than that - it's not about a game, it's life."
Football for people is just a game, but you can see from the crowd how emotional they are, so it's more than that - it's not about a game, it's life.
Thankful
Having spent more time with Bayern's medical staff than his team-mates in recent months, Thiago was quick to thank those who helped him on his path to recovery.
"We're always together as a team and I have to thank everybody," he said with Bayern ten points clear in the Bundesliga table.
"Now the value of everything is greater.
"You spend one year off and can now enjoy it again. It's a special moment."
