Hatem Ben Arfa has completed a remarkable turnaround after being released by Newcastle United , by winning a recall to the France squad for friendly games against Germany and England this month.
Ben Arfa was released on a free transfer back in January after falling out of favour at United.
After being relegated to Peter Beardsley’s reserve side last summer, he then won a loan move to Hull City.
But after failing to impress for the Tigers the deal was terminated.
Ben Arfa then returned to Newcastle and the club agreed to pay off the former St James’ Park favourite.
Red tape complicated a move to Ligue 1 side Nice and delayed his debut by six months.
A fall out between French boss Didier Deschamps during the pair’s time at Marseille triggered a move from the Velodrome to Newcastle for Ben Arfa.
However, Deschamps has always insisted he didn’t hold a grudge.
When asked about a return to the France team, Deschamps said: “Why not? My thinking is about what he has done with Nice.
“If someone can bring something to the France team, it doesn’t matter if he has had a problem with me. He has learned from his experiences and is now more fulfilled.”
Ben Arfa has scored seven goals and laid on two assists in 12 games for Nice.