Newcastle United star Hatem Ben Arfa feels he's a stronger character for overcoming his broken leg injury.

Ben Arfa admits the ordeal of having to overcome such a serious injury has made him a stronger person.

"One year ago, my leg was shattered in two places - one pointing this way and the other pointing in the wrong direction," he said. "Now it has healed and is straight again, which is a massive relief.

"It's been a long process but it is an experience that I have learnt from, a good experience in one way. Coming through a trauma like that has made me a better person because my heart is stronger.

"It was 11 months," Ben Arfa added. "I was sad and very frustrated at times but I had to keep calm. I wanted the whole process to hurry up.

"I have not been depressed, but I have certainly been sad. It has been hard watching the team play and not being involved.

"So many things went through my mind. It was not just worrying about football. It was life in general. It is difficult to explain, but it has made me a bit more patient, I appreciate my career now.

"I am very happy to be playing again. It has been a difficult year, a long, hard time for me physically and mentally. I am delighted now to have got back on the pitch."