Ghana international John Pantsil has revealed he feared missing the World Cup on African soil when he picked up an injury last December that kept him out for four months.

“When I got injured I thought I was going to miss out on the World Cup, the African Nations Cup and the rest of the season so now I’m happy that I’m back,” Pantsil said ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League final clash against Atletico Madrid in Hamburg.

”When I had to sit out I was feeling terrible. It was frustrating sitting on the sidelines watching my colleagues playing and doing so well.

”It was strange because I was happy that they were winning though because I knew that if they continued then I would be able to come back and play towards the end of the European campaign. I told myself that I had to work hard just in case that when I got back I would be able to play in the competition so I think I have come back at a good and exciting time.”

Pantsil feels Fulham deserve to be considered a big club now after reaching the Europa League final for the first time.

”Now no-one can call Fulham a small club because of what we have done. We have got this far after working so hard that we are not going to let this opportunity go easily. We deserve to win it.”