Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has recalled being without a club in 2016.
The Senegal No1 is now looking forward to a World Cup round of 16 tie with England.
"For a year I worked very, very hard. Even if I was alone, I went to the gym every day," he said.
"I also trained with my brothers, because I had no attacker. So they helped me a lot.
"So yes, work hard, be clear and stay focused."
Eventually Mendy was snapped up by Reims before finding his way to Rennes and eventually Chelsea.