Alexandre Lacazette admits a lack of game time at Arsenal didn't make him doubt himself, it just made him "unhappy".
The striker has had to settle for periods as a sub which he concedes is never easy for a player.
There is plenty of competition in attack at the Gunners with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the main man.
Lacazette spent part of the season on the treatment table which has hampered him, especially given the change in manager.
And the 29-year-old told Canal Plus that his third season in north London has been his most challenging.
He said: "At Arsenal, yes [it has been his hardest season]. The injury hung around longer than I thought (to his ankle) and it affected me.
"Afterwards, I had this period without scoring, so certainly it wasn’t easy for me, but I still learned a lot this season, because mentally it was not easy. The difficulties this season are going to serve me well in the future.
"Certainly, it is not nice to be on the bench. At the same time, in my life I have had moments that were a lot more complicated and I did not doubt myself.
"It wasn’t really doubt, it was more unhappiness, like every player who is on the bench and wants to play."
Lacazette is also facing competition for a start from some of the club's up and coming stars.
Bukayo Saka in particular has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign but Eddie Nketiah has also been given opportunities in attack.
But the Frenchman insists there is no animosity between him and the young forward should one of them given the nod ahead of the other.
"Between me and him [Nketiah], things are very good, there are no problems." he added.
"We support each other. We know that everyone wants to play and it is the coach who makes the decisions, but between me and him there are no problems."
