Poland star Jakub Blaszczykowski used his year at Fiorentina to get in shape for Euro 2016, his teammate Lukasz Piszczek has said.
Blaszczykowski, 30, spent last term on loan at Fiorentina, where the Borussia Dortmund winger had a limited impact.
The former Poland captain only played in 20 competitive matches, and complete the full 90 minutes in just six games.
His season at Fiorentina also put his place in the Poland squad in jeopardy, but coach Adam Nawalka made it clear that his experience was needed in France.
Blaszczykowski, also known as "Kuba," has since scored two goals for Poland and also has an assist to his name at Euro 2016.
On Saturday, Blaszczykowski put Poland ahead in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland, and was one of five Polish players to convert a penalty to set up a quarterfinal against Portugal.
"Quite a few in their thoughts already drew a line under his national team career," Piszczek told kicker. "Kuba has had the last laugh. I have always believed in him, albeit he did not get that many minutes at Fiorentina. Kuba used the time for a perfect preparation for the tournament."
Although Kuba has so far impressed at the tournament, he has not spoken publicly -- something Piszczek explained.
"Kuba's more quiet these days, even more quiet than he was already," he said of the winger.
At the Westfalenstadion, Piszczek, Kuba and attacker Robert Lewandowski had been part of the most successful Dortmund team in recent years, winning back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012 as well as reaching the 2013 Champions League final.
But unlike Kuba, Lewandowski, who has since left for Bayern Munich, has yet to find the back of the net at the Euros. Against Switzerland, he dropped deep into a midfield role and still was marked by several opponents throughout the match.
Piszczek added: "He works hard for the team. The opponent's defenders throw themselves on him with two, three man. It makes it a bit easier for Arkadiusz Milik and Kamil Grosicki, they have a bit more space.
"We hope that Robert's not annoyed that he has not scored in France yet He will continue to give it his all. He's such a good team player that the team success consoles him."