Danny Murphy told The Mirror he has returned a "stronger" person after suffering the worst year of his career on and off the pitch.

The 30 year old former England midfielder, a deadline day signing for Fulham, scored his first goal for his new club to gain a point on his home debut against Manchester City.

"I have been a long time not playing regular football - the best part of a year," said the former Liverpool, Charlton and Spurs player.

"I am just really happy to be back on the pitch and enjoying my football again.

"It is the first time in my career that I have had a down spell. There have been a few things that have contributed to that. I did feel I deserved a bit more of a chance at Tottenham but so does every player who doesn't play.

"Unfortunately in the middle of last season I lost my father. I spent a bit of time up north with him before he died and that was something I didn't publicise.

"Things like that people don't see. It is not an excuse but things happen sometimes in your life and not everything was going well football-wise.

"But even without the personal side, it was the lowest because for me, playing is everything. Financially of course you want to support yourself and your family the best that you can. And you try and get the best contracts.

"But the last couple of years has not been about money for me. I've gone for the football."