Thursday 23 October 2014 11:09, UK
Gabriel Obertan never allowed his head to drop during a tough spell at Newcastle United and has now seen his persistence rewarded.
The French midfielder has become something of a forgotten man at St James’ Park, with his struggles with form and fitness mirroring those of his Premier League employers.
The 25-year-old has continued to give his all in training, though, and has been able to force his way back into Alan Pardew’s thoughts – despite being told over the summer that he was free to find a new club.
His first home start in two seasons against Leicester City on Saturday delivered his first top flight goal in close to three years and Obertan is now looking to complete a remarkable reversal in fortune.
The former Manchester United man told the Daily Mail: “When you spend three or four months without playing, then you start doubting. You sometimes let yourself go a little bit.
“This time was different, I just kept going.
“If people think that you’re done, that’s their problem. As long as you remember what you have done in the past and believe in yourself, then it will go your way at some point.”
Obertan added on being forced to train away from the first team squad after being deemed surplus to requirements: “It was difficult, you don’t know how to handle the situation.
“You get impatient and frustrated (but) you can’t always blame someone else. You have to look at yourself and work through these difficulties. It will pay off.
“These lows build your character. It gets to you and you feel left out but then you think about the situation – it could be worse.
“I’m still in a great club, working hard and trying to make a name for myself. I am turning things around. I hope it is a resurrection of my career here.
“It’s easy to work when people see you, it’s another thing to work when they don’t. You have to wake up and still do it. No coaches are there to pat you on the back.”
