Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has revealed he feels "revived" after his longest summer break for years.
He asked not to be considered for England duty at Euro 2012, a request new manager Roy Hodgson complied with even though he was short of top-class midfielders.
Carrick avoided a question about his England future when he spoke ahead of United's pre-season encounter with Ajax Cape Town.
However, the 31-year-old did confirm how well he was feeling.
"I have had as long a rest as I have had in my own career really," said Carrick. "It was seven weeks.
"At this stage, I feel refreshed and revived. Sometimes you need that break to go again."Carrick will have seen the benefit team-mate Paul Scholes got from ending his international career, although it would seem a shame for the midfielder to turn his back on England just now.
His present tally of 22 caps seems a criminal waste for someone of such ability.
However, the former Tottenham man was giving nothing away about his next intentions in Cape Town.
"The enthusiasm, determination, desire and everything is there, especially the way we finished last season," he said.
"In terms of not winning the league, we want to bounce back and start again.
"That is exactly how I feel. I am determined to start the season well and win trophies again for this club."
