Tino Livramento offered a positive to Southampton in defeat to Brighton.
The match marked the wing-back's first after over 12 months out due to an ACL injury.
"It's a massive moment for me, for my family, for the people that have worked on me for the however many days or months it's been," said Livramento. "It's been a very long time.
"It's almost like everything coming together. Rubn, the manager, said it's like everything has come full circle, coming back to where it happened.
"It's been very difficult [over the last 18 months]. I've had a few setbacks with the main injury I had. It's not nice but when you've got a strong team and great physios, I can't speak highly enough of them.
"Without them I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am now. I'm happy that I can now repay them by showing their hard work has paid off. I'm a footballer again!
"The fans have stuck with me throughout it all. I remember when I got injured the fans were waiting outside still chanting my name when I was in a wheelchair! To come here today, it gives you goosebumps when you hear the support.
"It's a joy to always play in front of them, it always has been and it always will be."