By Patrick Akoto
Ghana defender John Mensah was thrilled with his debut for Nitra FC in their 2-1 defeat at home to Slovan Bratislava.
Mensah, 31, joined the Slovakian outfit last month after recovering from persistent injuries.
The ex-Stade Rennes strong centre-back played in his first competitive match for Nitra in ten months as they suffered the defeat at home.
The Ghanaian international has expressed his delight of returning to the pitch and looking ahead to improve his stock.
ââ¬ÅI am very happy to have made my comeback playing at the highest stage again. It has been a while but I am happy with my performance, he told 90 Minutes newspaper
ââ¬ÅI want to thank those who have been supporting me and thank God for bringing me this far.
ââ¬ÅI am here to help the team do its best in the league. There are a couple of games to go and hopefully, things will turn out good [for me] for both club and country.
ââ¬Å I just want to keep on doing my best and with Godââ¬â¢s guidance, I shall have the best outcome. I know you've heard it a thousand times before.
ââ¬ÅBut it's true - hard work pays off. If you want to be good, you have to practice, practice, practice. Football is like life - it requires perseverance, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.ââ¬
Mensahââ¬â¢s fine career has been blighted with recurrent injuries with suggestions he remains the countryââ¬â¢s best centre-back if he is fully fit.
The ex-Sunderland man is hoping to gatecrash Kwesi Appiahââ¬â¢s squad for this yearââ¬â¢s FIFA World Cup in June.