Yohan Cabaye admits groin surgery has allowed him to not only get back to his best for Newcastle United, he's also shaken off a bout of depression.

Cabaye insists that he feels so much better following the surgery on his groin and he is now loving football again.

He said: "When I underwent surgery, I never asked myself if I would find my best level. My only desire was to cure my adductors, not feel any more pain and to be back perfectly fit in 2013.

"Physically I feel perfectly fine now and I am keen to fight for the club. I want to give twice as much to save the club from the drop. I want to prove to the fans that they can trust me and I can defend the Newcastle colours.

"Now that episode is over, I have much more fun going to daily training sessions. I realise how lucky I am. I felt that enthusiasm could leave and that is most dangerous."