Seamus Coleman returned to training with Everton on Wednesday, with reminders of the early stages in his career on his mind.
The Everton players returned in groups of four, as he joined Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Leighton Baines for their session.
Having arrived in their kit, they finished their session and immediately returned home, bringing their training gear with them.
All the players have to wash their own kit, something which is a throwback to his teenage years at Sligo Rovers and loan spell at Blackpool.
Speaking to www.evertonfc.com, he said "I rang my mum on the way home from training on Wednesday and mentioned that, our own kit coming home with us.
"It's a long time since that’s been done. We used to do it at Sligo Rovers when I still lived with my mum and dad, they remember it well.
"We did it at Blackpool [where Coleman was on loan in 2009/10] as well.
"It’s not that big a deal and something the lads are more than capable of, I imagine."
After over two months away, it means a lot for the Republic of Ireland captain to be at work again.
Coleman continued: "Getting back, you feel there is some normality coming back to the world… that things are progressing.
"Hopefully that is the case. The weather has been great and I’ve really enjoyed my time with my family.
"But we are footballers and this is what we want to do. Even getting the kit ready on Tuesday night, you are excited to get back to work.
"It’s probably the longest I’ve been away from Finch Farm. Driving through [the gates] was a great feeling but it’s definitely a little bit different.
"The club has taken all the precautions needed. We were in in small groups and it felt very safe.
"They told us that would be the case but when you got there, you could see the work that has been put in to make it as safe as possible."
A 12 June date is being eyed up by the Premier League for the resumption of the league – although not set in stone - as work goes on behind the scenes for competitive games to return behind closed doors in England.
Being back on the pitch has reminded Coleman of all that comes with Covid-19 restrictions.
The Everton players were given an induction at the Finch Farm before the session, learning about the parameters they must stay within at the training ground and in day-to-day life.
He said: "It is serious, we have to do things properly.
"We are in there together and it is important we are living our lives right outside the place to make sure you do not endanger anyone.
"The ideal scenario is we get back playing Premier League football and to do that, as players, we need to make sure we are doing everything right.
"The club made sure of that by telling us the rules and regulations.
"We couldn’t wait to get on the training pitch and it was nice to see some of the lads again and get back out there training."
Everton and the rest of the Premier League are now awaiting 'phase two’ of football’s return – when contact training will be permitted.
The 31-year-old is keen for his team-mates to stay responsible and in line as they aim to seal a European spot for next season.
"It is up to us as players now to stick to the rules at the club and do what is asked of us.
"There are measurements to tell us how far to stay apart and a one-way system around the building, so you are not crossing paths with people.
"It feels as safe as it possibly can and, hopefully, we can move to phase two as quickly and safely as possible."
