Morgan Schneiderlin says he was not willing to accept his Everton career was over.
The 29-year-old has enjoyed a revival of late after starting six of the last 11 games of the season.
Schneiderlin began the Marco Silva-era in the team but lost his place in September following an injury and failed to make the matchday squad 15 times between then and February.
But the £20m midfielder impressed during the squad's enforced 17 day break and earned a shock recall for the game at Cardiff City .
And despite Andre Gomes' three game suspension coming to an end, Schneiderlin kept his place in the team for the final game of the season at Spurs.
Schneiderlin was said to be lacking confidence last season and at times during this term but insists he was never ready to give up.
“I always believed in myself,” he said.
“I worked and I did what I had to do off on the pitch to get back in the team.
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“I had the chance to come back into the team against Cardiff [a 3-0 win on 26 February] and then had a little injury put me back.
“But since then I think I have done well and the team did well, too, so I’m happy.”
