Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has said he always knew his opportunity would come despite struggling to make an impression in his early days at Old Trafford.
Mkhitaryan, 28, was bought from Borussia Dortmund for around €42 million in the summer, but struggled early on to find a place in Jose Mourinho's starting XI.
But he has since gone on to become one of the club's most influential players, and AFP quoted him as saying: "Our life is worthless without difficulties.
"Every person must be able to handle difficulties and the same concerns me. But it was not difficult for me to overcome these as I knew I would get my chance and I would use that.
"Yes, there are cases when a person faces much tougher problems, but he or she must be ready to face them. I just waited for my chance. I worked and I worked hard."
United face West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford at the weekend as they look to keep up the pressure for a top-four finish.
Meanwhile, midfielder Andreas Pereira, on loan at Granada, told United's official website he had been boosted by his spell in the Spanish top flight.
"I'm playing well," he said. "For me, it's been very good playing here at a high level in Spain, in La Liga, every week.
"It's a very good league and a very high level. The football here is different than in England but it's good to test yourself to see what level you are at and to improve every week.
"I always keep in my mind that I'm a Manchester United player and I should do what I'm doing. That is the main aim. I always have this in my mind.
"I should do well against everyone, and I always keep this in my thoughts."