Andre Gomes was thrilled to return for Everton and thanked well-wishers after making his comeback from an awful ankle injury.
The Portuguese midfielder, formerly of Barcelona, was seriously hurt by a challenge with Tottenham's Son Heung-min in early November.
A fractured dislocation required surgery, and Gomes was emotional weeks later when he revealed the messages of support he had received.
Yet just 112 days after he needed oxygen while being carried off the pitch at Goodison Park, Gomes was back on duty in Sunday's Premier League clash at Arsenal.
He came off the bench just before the hour mark and provided fresh impetus as Everton chased the game from 3-2 down.
They could not muster an equaliser and left Emirates Stadium empty-handed, but Gomes' introduction came as a huge plus point for the visitors.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed he wanted to start with Gomes, who was reluctant.
Ancelotti confirmed he now intends to play Gomes from the first minute against Manchester United next Sunday.
"Actually, I need to thank everybody," Gomes said, reflecting on his road to recovery.
"The team, they were great. My supporters – Evertonians – and also in general, football supporters, everyone has been wonderful with me.
"Also, other players, other professional players, ex-professional players as well.