John Brooks is fully focused on Hertha Berlin after returning from the 2016 Copa America Centenario.
Although the United States were held in the semifinal of the tournament, Brooks' play drew high praise from coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who called him "the best centre-back at the Copa" prior to the team's 4-0 loss to Argentina.
Hertha feared Brooks -- one of their key players last term -- could miss crucial parts of the their preseason due to a knee injury suffered during the third-place playoff against Colombia, but he was given the all-clear by the club's doctor after diagnosing a sprain in his left knee.
"The tournament was a super experience for me," the United States defender told reporters on Wednesday, two days after resuming training. "It was all well-organised, and very professional. Much better than the Gold Cup the previous year."
When asked about the Argentina match, Brooks, who could play Europa League for the first time in his career if Hertha qualify for the group stages, said "it was great to play a world class player like Lionel Messi."
He added: "We sadly lost 4-0, but we also have to be honest and admit that the result was OK."
The 23-year-old told reporters that his knee feels fine after the first training sessions.
The U.S. defender and Slovakia international Peter Pekarik joined the rest of the Hertha squad almost a month after the club began their preseason.
Sommer, Sonne, Training #hahohe pic.twitter.com/nljtux4OxC
- Hertha BSC (@HerthaBSC) July 20, 2016
Next Thursday, the Bundesliga side will enter the Europa League playoffs in the third-round, and Brooks said he would love to take part in that match, even though his fitness is still in doubt.
"I hope I can be fully fit as soon as possible. We will work hard in the next days and week to make up the difference with our fitness coaches. I would love to play right away, but that's just not possible," Brooks said.
During the Copa America, Brooks was linked with a switch to Premier League, but he is happy where he is right now.
"I was incredibly happy to be back here. I am fully focused on Hertha," he said.