Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa believes he had lost himself during a negative spell with Newcastle United.
The 25-year old defender joined the Magpies from Montpellier in January 2013 but failed to make an impact in England's north east prior to joining Italian side AS Roma on loan in September this year.
Following his return to the France squad on Thursday, Yanga-Mbiwa told the Corriere dello Sport that he thinks his move away from Newcastle's weather helped him land a call-up from Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps.
"I am very happy for this call-up," he said.
"It is always a pleasure to be part of the Coach's squad. I know that I am here to complete the group and give my best. If I should get the chance to play, I'd give everything I have.
"I had lost myself at Newcastle. Maybe it was too cloudy! It wasn't easy. Now I have found a bit of match fitness and a team that plays real football.
"I need to be a little wary after the injury, but I'm slowly getting back to my best."
