Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen admits the state if his achilles injury has shocked him.
After surgery to address the problem in January, he was told he could return in six weeks.
But Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has since ruled out the chances of the 25-year-old returning this season.
Vermaelen said: "I always thought I would be out for six weeks after surgery.
"That was what I was told. So I never could anticipate this long absence. Maybe I would have preferred that I knew from the start.
"I had so much support from my friend Robin [van Persie].
"He is a very helpful guy. He has experience with long injuries and often gave me good advice."
