Juventus midfielder Simone Pepe says his injury nightmare is over as he prepares to bring an end to two-and-a-half years of frustration when the Serie A reconvenes after the international break.
The former Italy international has suffered multiple setbacks on his road to recovery from a thigh injury in 2012, needing several operations to resolve a persistent problem which has limited his opportunities.
He was back on the bench for the Bianconeri's 7-0 win over Parma having managed three minutes on a previous comeback attempt earlier this season, and now he says he is ready to make a contribution to the Turin club's quest for a fourth straight Serie A title.
"I'm ready and available," he told Juve's television channel Jtv. "It was a serious injury and a long recovery, but you've always got to move on in life and if you want to play football again, it is something you've got to get through, and I desperately want to play football again.
"I've been feeling fine now for five or six months and I've been training with the team every day. My nightmare is over and I am now ready to be picked."
Pepe responded to fans who had claimed he was taking it easy and receiving his wage each month without trying to recover by showing evidence of the agony he has been through, posting three pictures of separate operations on Facebook.
"I felt the time had come for me to break my silence," Pepe wrote above the photos. "I know that most of the fans are on my side and I received applause and chants from them, which is the latest show of respect and affection towards me.
"I'm finally fine again and delighted to be available for the coach."
