Daniele Padelli spoke at the post-match press conference on Saturday evening after Udinese overcame Parma at Bluenergy Stadium.
The goalkeeper played a big part in the 1-0 victory, making a number of key saves on his first appearance in Serie A since the final day of the 2021/22 season.
"It's been two and a half years since that Salernitana game,” he began. “It was great. It made me feel alive. I felt the support of the the fans and my team-mates. I always do my bit on the training ground. I do everything the best I can and it's brought me to this evening.
“We spoke together on the first day of pre-season and we all agreed we wanted a change of direction after last season. We've managed to do that. We've all knuckled down. We've had a few tough spells but we got through them and now we're reaping what we've sowed.
“We're keeping our feet on the ground, putting heart and soul into the job, and we'll see where we end up. We do have a target in mind but we're keeping it within the dressing room.
“Today was the first time in my career that I had cramps! I was a bit nervous but I'm happy and proud. Now I want to enjoy this evening with the people closest to me. They know how much this means to me. It's a nice reward.”