"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." A tale of two cities certainly rings true for the season just completed by Republic of Ireland international Cyrus Christie.
London town and Fulham Football Club is where the versatile defender began his journey ahead of the 2021-22 season, but for one reason or another it soon began a solo run, isolated from his team-mates, left to train alone, and deemed surplus to requirements before a ball had even been kicked.
Manager Marco Silva spelt it out quite clearly to the player that he was not in his plans, claiming that he had five right backs in his squad and the Ireland defender was essentially sent to Coventry.
Not a return to the midlands club where Christie spent four seasons from 2010 to 2014, but rather the activity of ostracization, with the player not even allowed into the training ground when anyone else was there.
"It was tough, the first six months," said Christie, reflecting on what were essentially his final days at the Craven Cottage club.
"At times I wasn't allowed at the training ground when anyone was in there. I’d go to train on my own a lot of the time.
"I was playing out of position, in midfield as a central defensive midfielder under him (Marco Silva). It was very different. He had a lot of players to choose from.
"The manager made a decision. That’s football. I didn’t cry about it. I just got on with it. I came in every day with a smile on my face, and waited for my opportunity."
Despite interest from the continent, opportunity finally knocked in the form of a loan deal with fellow Championship club, Swansea, as Christie moved west to Wales in January to see out the rest of the season under the guidance of former Scotland international Russell Martin.
A move to run down the final months of his Fulham contract, perhaps, but as it happened, it turned out to be a perfect fit with Christie becoming a mainstay in the side until the end of the season.
"I got that [opportunity] at Swansea," said Christie. "I think I took it with both hands. I went there and showed people what I’m capable of.
"I’ve been putting up good numbers; probably the best in my career. Over 22 games, I’d three goals, five or six assists. It was a good season. I didn’t want it to end.
"The first half of the season was a big contrast to the second half. My time there is done. I’m looking forward to what the future holds."
Christie officially becomes a free agent on 1 July and thanks to the form that he showed at Swansea, he will be able to pick from a range of offers that are already in discussion.
A move abroad remains an option for the player with a new lease of life, and it will be the right move for his footballing journey and for his family.
But for now, all his focus is with Ireland for the four Nations League games, starting with Armenia on Saturday.
"It’s just great to be back in amongst the lads," said Christie. "I’m looking forward to putting on the jersey if the manager picks me. There are a lot of games, so I’m sure I’ll be able to get out there. Everyone wants to win all these games, we want to do well and we want to top the group.
"I'm facing good competition in The Doc (Matt Doherty) and Seamus (Coleman) and even young Festy (Ebosele) coming through now so there are a lot of good players in the wing back positions. But I can play in a variety of positions which hopefully holds me in good stead.
"I'm delighted to be here, I've had a good season, I'm here now and I want to be able to go out and help the team as much as possible."
Another interesting aspect of the move to Swansea was that it allowed Christie to play alongside fellow Ireland international Michael Obafemi.
Like Christie, the former Southampton striker has been in fine form throughout the second half of the season, and has been rewarded with a recall into the international set-up.
"I don’t know what he was like for the first six months, but he picked up, he was scoring goals, he was a threat," said Christie, when asked about his Swansea team-mate.
"On top of that, he is a lovely lad as well. He’s a funny character and he gets goals. He is so quick and he is a threat. I’m sure when he steps on that pitch everyone will see what he is capable of.
"There is obviously more to his game than pace. He is a good finisher. When he gets on the ball and he turns the defence, it can be frightening. He’s got pace, he can dribble with the ball, he can go past people, and he puts himself in the right positions.
"He might not be in the game a lot, but when he is and he plays on that back shoulder of the defence, he can get himself in there and score goals, and that’s what you need as a striker.
"Their job is to finish the chances they get. If you provide him, I’m sure he will put them away."
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