Sheffield United striker Rob Hulse has revealed he thought his career was over after his horrific leg break suffered playing against Chelsea last Saturday.
The 27-year-old is recovering from Sunday's successful operation to mend a double fracture of his left leg, an injury which has ended his season.
He said: "For a moment, I thought 'That's it for me'. I knew I'd done something serious straight away.
"I was upset but, now the operation's done, I feel quite positive."
Hulse, who is set to be discharged from hospital on Wednesday, recalled the moment he collided with Chelsea keeper Petr Cech during United's defeat at Stamford Bridge.
He said: "Everything goes out of context. I panicked until I got to hospital.
"Petr has texted me his apologies and I told him it's not his fault"
"I knew I'd done something serious straight away - I felt my leg wobble at the bottom - and I sensed it from the crowd's reaction.
"To look down and see your leg is straight and then bent is upsetting. I started panicking.
"When Dennis Pettit (physio) ran out to me, I said to him 'It's gone, Dennis, my left leg has gone'."
But Hulse is determined to bounce back and revealed he has received support from Cech - and Manchester United's Alan Smith, who suffered a similar injury last year.
"I've had enough injuries in my career and that'll see me through this one," he said.
"You know what lies ahead of you - there will be good and bad days. I'm determined as anyone to get back. I've done it before and I'm sure I'll do it again. I'm ready for the fight.
"Petr has texted me his apologies and I told him it's not his fault.
"Alan Smith offered to have a chat with me if I needed to and I'll take him up on that.
"The lads and the gaffer have been in, and Kevin McCabe (chairman) has been on the phone. It hasn't stopped ringing. I appreciate all the get well wishes."