Hugo Rodallega thought his days at Craven Cottage were numbered - now the frontman is spearheading Fulham's survival charge.
The Colombian striker has come in from the cold to fire Felix Magath's side to within touching distance of safety following a frustrating start to the season under Martin Jol and Rene Meulensteen.
Rodallega was handed just his third Premier League start of the season by Magath against Norwich on Saturday, and repaid his boss with the vital winner for the second week running.
It was a far cry from the moment the distraught striker was caught sobbing on camera after being substituted in the shock FA Cup defeat against Sheffield United back in February.
"I try to forget about the Sheffield United game,” said Rodallega. “Because when I played against them I had an injury. So I try to forget it. It was a bad moment for me.
"Yes [I thought I may have to leave], when you haven't been playing for five or six games it's difficult. I felt bad.
"At the moment I feel very good because when I have this opportunity I've played very well. Everybody in the team is pushing me, and that's very important."
Fulham closed the gap on the Canaries to just two point following Rodallega's first-half strike as their survival bid was given another huge boost.
Rodallega added: "I feel happy, not just me but everyone, because when you win it's very important for the team in this situation.
"This [goal] is important. I want Fulham to stay up and will try and score the goals. This is my opportunity. I have been waiting a long time to play in the starting XI and now I'm happy I'm going to enjoy every minute."
