Seve Ballesteros is all set for his European Tour comeback tomorrow - excited, slightly worried, but more than anything hopeful it is the start of a return to doing what he loves most.
After 23 months out of action the 48-year-old plays in the Madrid Open at Club de Campo - scene of his last victory on the circuit 10 long years ago.
When asked for his expectations after a two-over-par 73 in the curtain-raising pro-am Ballesteros replied: "To play, hit good shots and enjoy.
"Physically I feel very well and I am very 'tranquillo'. I have nothing to lose. I'm not nervous now, but maybe tomorrow."
After being diagnosed with arthritis in his back many thought Ballesteros would never be able to compete again.
But he has swum and cycled and stretched himself back to a level of fitness which has allowed him to extend a career which includes six major titles, six European Order of Merit titles and a record 50 tour titles.
"Golf has always been my passion and competing has always been great," he added. "It's one thing I always like and enjoy - I like to feel the pressure.
"To play is what I love to do most. And to play for as long as I can? Of course.
"The only thing that worries me is that when you don't play for nearly two years you have lost a little bit of focus and it's difficult to have the competitive instinct."
As for the future he states: "Just to be here is great. Let's go step-by-step. But whatever happens this week I will play next year on tour."
Ballesteros has been riddled with back problems for years and it is not just the long lay-off, but what happened before that must make him wary of what he is capable of now.
The former world number one finished the 2003 season ranked 279th in Europe, having made only one halfway cut just like he did in 2002.
Yet while playing all four rounds first time out would appear a triumph Ballesteros himself adds: "First 10 would be a great result, but why not winning? What's wrong with dreaming?
"The world is full of surprises."
