Manchester United defender Patrice Evra insists he never considered leaving even when he found it hard to break into the team.
Evra has started to show something of his true form after a difficult start to his Old Trafford career last season.
The Frenchman arrived from Monaco last January, but he struggled to establish himself as a regular in Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team plans.
Evra has emerged as United's first-choice left-back this term and the classy defender has thanked Sir Alex Ferguson for keeping faith in him.
"I never knew Guy Roux, but I believe Alex Ferguson and him have almost the same methods," Evra told L'Equipe.
"Ferguson is very close to his players and protects them. He is the father of our team. He knew I would endure a difficult time at first, but he was thinking to the future. He said: 'Pat, next season I will ask you your best'.
The 25-year-old revealed he never thought of leaving United and he also paid tribute to fellow Frenchmen Louis Saha and Mikael Silvestre for helping him settle into life at Old Trafford
"I never thought about leaving. I am obstinate, leaving would have been a defeat, and asking myself too many questions about my level would have been dangerous.
"I thank Louis Saha and Mika Silvestre for their help. Since the first day, Mika welcomed me and helped me a lot during daily life. I have never saw such a professional player like him."
Evra also revealed that Ferguson has been encouraging him to be more attack-minded.
"I have not changed my style in football, I just feel more powerful than before and that gives me more trust," continued Evra.
"After a match when I didn't take enough attacking risk, Ferguson told me: 'Pat, why did I buy you?' I replied: 'To attack.' He said: 'So, what are you doing?'
"I have to find the right balance, but the technical staff want me to participate in attacks."