Everton midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin has revealed the advice that his manager Carlo Ancelotti gave him as he continues to find full form and fitness after a long-term injury lay-off.
Signed in August 2019, Gbamin played 11 minutes against Crystal Palace last week - his first minutes of the season and just his third appearance in an Everton shirt.
But Gbamin says that Ancelotti was able to help him as he made his comeback, with his sights now firmly set on the future and what he can produce in an Everton shirt.
"[Ancelotti] told me that when he was playing and he was young, he had two years without playing because of his knee," Gbamin said.
"[He told me] to keep my head down and work hard for the comeback and after this, everything will make you stronger.
"[He said] you see football differently afterwards and if you work hard and you are serious then it can only [get better]."
Gbamin also outlined his ambitions for the future in both the short and long-term, declaring himself ready to 'give everything' for Everton.
"I think I can offer something to the team and we have a great team with all good players," the 25-year-old added.
"If I can be a part of this team, then it will be amazing, so I will give everything on the pitch.
"You learn to work hard and you see life different [when you are injured]. Now I am here and it is because I never go down - I still have my head up and work hard.
"Now I know how it feels to be out for almost two years, so I will enjoy the time when I am on the pitch and give everything.
"For the short-term, I want to help the team as much as I can. I want to have some game time and feel more and more ready to play and maybe play 90 minutes.
"I have still got three years on my contract and I want to [be] part of the history of Everton.
"I am focused on the game and I really work hard for any occasion. I'm ready to play."
