Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Vicente is hoping his return from injury will pave the way to regular first-team football.
Spanish midfielder looking to feature regularly after injury lay-off
Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Vicente is hoping his return from injury will pave the way to regular first-team football.
The 30-year-old arrived in England last summer following his switch from Valencia but has been unable to feature for Albion due to a series of injuries.
Former Spain international Vicente made his return to action on Saturday and was immediately involved after being brought on in the second half as he provided the assists for Will Buckley to score in the 90th minute.
However, despite spending the majority of the season on the sidelines, Vicente admits he is enjoying his time at the Falmer Stadium.
"I'd been out for a long time and I've suffered a lot in those three months," he said. "When you are out for a long time, you lose heart, that's normal.
"But thanks to the people around me at the club, who have helped me a lot mentally to get better and enjoy myself a bit.
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"I'm happy here at Brighton, people treat me well. The city's good, we live well, and despite the cold I feel happy. Life is quite good for me, I just want to play now."
After a run of five games unbeaten, Vicente believes that Albion must start focusing on making inroads on the play-offs places.
"We haven't lost for a few games and we need to keep looking up to fight for a place in the top six," he added.
"It's a good level, not of better quality than in Spain but it's got a good tempo, and you have to work hard, run a lot.
"People at home don't know the Championship, just like people here don't know the second division in Spain, but there are very good players here, real quality."
