The first day of preseason is possibly the most positive moment of the entire year for professional footballers.
You walk into the training ground, see your teammates again, catch up with the staff, and feel a fresh wave of optimism. Whatever happened last season is in the past, replaced with a sense of excitement and hope. You've come back in good shape, your kit is fresh, the training grounds have been renovated, the coaches are optimistic. It's the start of a new journey.
But preseason also marks a return of stress and hard work. What was once a time for rest and careful preparation for the season ahead is now something that needs to be prepared for in its own right.