Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has confessed that he thought his football career had finished during the summer.

The German was released by Wolfsburg at the end of last season, with a series of injuries having limited his first-team chances.

He was still without a club at the start of the campaign, until Toffees boss David Moyes offered him a short-term deal at Goodison Park.

The 30-year-old has gone on to make seven Premier League appearances, resulting in the Merseyside outfit offering him an extension to his contract.

Hitzlsperger confessed that he feared for his career, but is now enjoying his time at Everton:

"When I was out in the summer I thought maybe I'd played my last game already.” He told EvertonTV.

"Now I'm back at a very, very good level in the Premier League, playing for a huge club and it's so enjoyable.”

He also insisted that he is now fully fit and focused on helping his new team:

"It happens and I think most players go through it. It came unexpectedly to be honest but when it did come it was something I knew I had to deal with.

"I tried to be positive and I was most of the time. Fortunately that period is over now, it's behind me and I'm just looking forward to the next few weeks and months.

"I think now I'm fully fit, there's not any problems and I think it's gone well.”

Hitzlsperger has a wealth of experience in English football, having started his career with Aston Villa.

He has also played for Chesterfield and West Ham either side of spells with Stuttgart and Lazio.

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