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(Image: GETTY)

The France international endured a nightmare after rupturing knee ligaments in his first month at the Etihad following his £55m move from Monaco.

The defender spent nine months on the sidelines battling to get fit again and made his return to action as a second half substitute in City's 5-0 thumping of Swansea on Sunday.

Going through months of rehabilitation having to watch your team-mates sweep all before them to become Premier League champions would be tough for most stars to deal with.

(Image: AFP)

But Mendy kept in touch with supporters on Twitter to keep his spirits up and insists he was never sad and low.

He said: "It was amazing to be back after this long time. When I went on the pitch, the atmosphere was amazing.

"It has been a very long time, but every day I worked hard with the physio, the doctors and the players. I knew with this injury we had to wait and work, but nine months on I am strong.

"I stayed with my family and friends, who helped me through this moment.

"All the time I am laughing with the fans on social media. I am the same as the fans - I go to the toilet and everything, so I am the same!

"The atmosphere has been amazing. I was waiting for this, waiting to come back onto the pitch.

(Image: GETTY/ MANCHESTER CITY)

"Being with the players, for the pre-match meeting and everything - it was all so important for me. I have never had a welcome like that, it was the best in the world.

"I have never been sad. Every day I have been with the team, and in Barcelona I was with other players. All the time I have been happy."

In his absence Mendy has watched Fabian Delph impress at left back after being converted from midfield by Pep Guardiola.

Mendy admits Delph has been incredible and has no issue with having such strong competition for his place in the team.

He added: "Maybe he will take my place. I need to work hard for my comeback, but he has done great for the team this year.

"We are very good teammates. But Fabian has been amazing. It is not his position, but he has had a lot of assists, has been strong in defence. Every day I tell him he is superb."