Ghana international Mohammed Rabiu hopes that he's come to the end of a two-year injury nightmare and is keen to earn a return to the Black Stars fold.
The midfielder has sat on the sidelines nursing an anterior cruciate ligament, but now has a chance with Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala after the club announced they have re-signed him on a short-term deal.
The 28-year-old did not play a single game for Anzhi when he signed a three-and-half-year deal with them in August 2016, with injury problems forcing the contract to be cancelled.
"It has not been easy not playing for two years," he told KweséESPN. "It's been a very difficult time for me but I am happy that Anzhi are prepared to give me a second chance.
"There were many days when I was extremely sad sitting at home, powerless and unable to play because football is all I have done," he added. "I missed it badly in the last two years."
Rabiu won the U-20 World Cup with Ghana, but despite playing all three matches at the 2014 World Cup, and representing the Black Stars at two African Cup of Nations tournaments, his career was been hindered by injury.
"I want to work my way back in slowly and then get back to my very best," the midfielder continued. "I want to win a trophy at club level, get back into the national team and win a trophy at international level.
"I just pray that I stay fit because the last two years have been difficult."
Rabiu moved to Russia with Kuban Krasnodar in 2013 after previously featuring with Evian Thonon Gaillard in France. He began his career with Liberty Professionals in his homeland, and also spent time on loan at Sampdoria and Udinese.
