Thalys is one of the key names in the spotlight at UD Almería, having become available to the coaching staff for the first time this season after serving a 4-match suspension following the straight red card he received in the final game of last season, the promotion play-off final against Málaga CF.

The Brazilian striker spoke to UDA Radio, the Club's official radio station, at the UD Almería Stadium. When asked how much he wants to return to action, on a scale of 1 to 10, he answered emphatically: 'One thousand! This time without the chance to play has been very difficult for me, especially because of the circumstances that led to it. I regret what happened and I've learned my lesson. I had an incident with an opponent who was confronting our fans and I stepped in to defend them, but I understand that the best way to do that is by giving everything on the pitch.'

With that in mind, the 21-year-old is determined to 'fight as hard as I can to earn a place in the starting XI. I know it won't be easy and that everyone in the squad wants to play, but I'll work as hard as I can to achieve it'. To do so, he will have to compete, above all, with team-mate Miguel de la Fuente, with whom he says he has 'a great relationship. We have different qualities and competition is always good for everyone'.

The UD Almería forward explained that he is 'really looking forward to getting back out there and being able to help the team. It's very difficult watching from the sidelines'. He went on to add: 'I've changed a lot compared to last season, which was a very difficult one for me as I was leaving Brazil and everything that involves. Now I'm much more settled, I have more confidence and I feel stronger'. He also feels that he has learned from his experience, as he 'already knows what Spanish football and the Segunda División are like'.

As every cloud has a silver lining, Thalys acknowledges that this period 'has been like having a longer pre-season and it has helped me in terms of my work and preparation'.

All of this, as the Brazilian explained, has helped him 'change my mindset', which will allow him to avoid the pressure he felt last season, 'when I wanted to prove so many things in the few minutes I was given'.