COVID-19 survivor Tam Sheang Tsung hopes to get back to helping Kedah in their Malaysia Cup campaign.
The 26-year-old midfielder is finally back on the field after being sidelined for about a month by the virus.
A team official revealed that Sheang Tsung had stage four Covid, and had lost his fitness and strength after leaving hospital.
Sheang Tsung, who is of Malaysian-Japanese parentage, admitted it was an uphill battle to get back match fitness as the dreaded disease has diminished his breathing.
"It started as a mild fever but I did not pay a lot of attention to it until we got tested as a team.
"The fever persisted, and I found out I was positive and immediately reported to the nearest assessment centre," said Sheang Tsung.
"I was in for 15 days, three days of self-quarantine and spent the rest in a hospital.
"My chest felt stuffy, breathing was a bit restricted, there was a loss of smell and taste.
"I rejoined training as soon as the doctor gave me the green light.
"The symptoms went away after a few days in the hospital.
"I was worried about my recovery. I think I speak for everyone who went through this. It was a struggle to regain fitness," said Sheang Tsung, who thanked Kedah coach Aidil Sharin Sahak and their team physiotherapist for helping him get back to form.
It is learnt that Sheang Tsung was placed apart from the Kedah team for two weeks.
He was not allowed to enter the dressing room and had to shower at home immediately after training.
Sheang Tsung, who previously played for Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua, was fielded by Kedah against the national Under-23 team in a friendly last Monday. Kedah lost 2-0.
"The first few sessions were challenging. I had to recondition my body, but I am glad to be back on the grass running at 100 per cent again."
What his advice to Negri Sembilan who had 20 players and four team officials down with Covid-19?
"Get plenty of rest, don't get stressed over what you cannot control.
"The body is its own best doctor, so you've got to look after it first," said Sheang Tsung.