Vincent Kompany has endured a succession of lengthy spells on the sidelines over the past two years but has spoken of his commitment and desire to put his fitness woes behind him and return to the starting XI under Pep Guardiola.
Kompany made his first start under the Spaniard in the weekend's 1-1 draw at home to Southampton.
The Belgian star has given an insight into his relationship with the medical staff over recent months as they have worked tirelessly to restore the club captain to full fitness.
Vincent Kompany makes his 1st PL start since Apr 19. Man City have kept 9 clean sheets in the 13 PL games he's started since start of 15-16 pic.twitter.com/5cfYG11sz6
My situation is very simple, I've been out for six months. I've had to make one commitment to the medical staff, which was that I'd be honest towards them with my feelings, and that I would listen to them when they made a decision.
I told them how I felt the day before the game and they made the decision for me. That I wanted to play, of course, that wasn't even in doubt, but I've just made this commitment to listen to them a little bit more.
Maybe another day I would never have gone off after 70 minutes like I did (against Southampton) but it's part of the bargain, let's put it that way, and it's for the best.'
300 appearances since 2009, Vincent Kompany - City's greatest ever captain. #mcfc pic.twitter.com/SemAOSG2uI
The Manchester City legend then spoke philosophically about the challenges he has faced with injury and how he is, mentally, stronger than ever.
I'm always confident, even if logic says otherwise. My motivation can never be in doubt.
I really know there are some steps to build up now. First of all for me is being back to being really healthy for the team, and then hopefully it's having a place in the team that makes a difference for the lads.
But everything in time. And as well, when you make a judgment, just bear in mind I haven't played for six months�.
Kompany will be desperately hoping that his injury woes are behind him after 34 injuries in eight years with City as speculation surrounding his long-term future continues to linger.