MANCHESTER (AFP) - Rio Ferdinand returns to the international stage older, wiser and hugely grateful to the people who helped him get through his eight-month ban for missing a doping test.
Barely three weeks after returning to action for Manchester United against Liverpool, Ferdinand is set to reclaim his place in England's defence in the equally charged environment of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Wales.
Any doubts Sven-Goran Eriksson may have harboured about the centreback's readiness have been assuaged by a string of commanding displays for United since his return.
Even Ferdinand himself admits to being surprised by how smoothly he has slipped back into his old routine.
"I am surprised by how quickly I've kicked into it," the 25-year-old said on Thursday.
"After so long out, I didn't know how quickly I'd be able to play really well. So to come in and feel as comfortable as I have is a little surprising."
By his own admission, the suspension forced Ferdinand into a period of prolonged self-examination which has resulted in significant changes in how he approaches his profession.
Having sought out advice from United captain Roy Keane about how Eric Cantona had dealt with a similar length of ban, Ferdinand has, he believes, emerged from his time out as a more effective performer.
Throughout his time out, there were only 12 days on which he did not train. Alcohol has been cut out entirely and he believes he has benefited from the time to think more deeply about his job.
"I tried to go through everything about my game with a fine toothcomb," he revealed.
"I don't really want to talk about how it has changed me as a person but as a footballer it has made me better, mainly in terms of preparation. When you are watching from the stands you can see a bigger picture.
"Now I'm back, I really am focused on football. I just want to make sure I get every ounce of potential out of my game."
The ban meant Ferdinand missed out on Euro 2004 and what should have been the second major tournament of his career. "In a funny way it was nice to be able to watch the tournament as a fan but at the same time it was hard not being part of it."
But he is determined not to let thoughts of what might have been interfere with his attempt to repay what he regards as a debt of honour to United boss Alex Ferguson and Eriksson.
"It is not as if there is a book you can read to tell you how to deal with something like that -- you just have to get on with it.
"Obviously friends and family play a big part at times like that but the manager at the club really supported me and so did Mr Eriksson.
"Stuff like that goes a long way and it will always be remembered and appreciated."
The exact circumstances in which Ferdinand came to drive away from the United training ground when UK Sport's doping control inspectors were waiting for him to provide a urine sample have still not been established.
The official line remains that his action was a simple oversight, although that was not something Ferdinand was prepared to go into.
Asked if he felt remorse over his conduct, he replied: "I wouldn't say remorse but I never said it was anyone's fault but my own. But it's history now. It's gone and I don't want to keep going back over it."
Ferdinand's immediate return to the side alongside a fit-again Sol Campbell will be hard on John Terry and Ledley King, who have performed well in the absence of England's first choice duo.
"I know it is disappointing but that is part and parcel of a footballer's life," Ferdinand said, adding what could have been a reference to his own recent experiences.
"You have just got to take it on the chin and go out and try and improve and win your place back."