"Deep inside, I feel a completely different person. I look at the world in a totally different light, which is a shame really. It took something so tragic to make me feel and realise, and treat people differently. Through anything bad that happens, something good does come from it I guess."
Those were the words of Ireland and Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter as he spoke to Off The Ball about the tragedy he and his family have suffered.
In December, his baby daughter Renee passed away at birth and that has put life in perspective for the player.
He was speaking at today's Ireland press conference as the extended squad prepare for the Netherlands friendly before manager Martin O'Neill has to reduce numbers to 23 names before the start of Euro 2016.
As the 26-year-old explained, missing out on the Euro 2016 squad would not be devastation because he now knows what that word really means.
"Before that, this would have been the be all and end all, and if I didn't get in the squad, I would have been devastated," he began.
"But I certainly know what the word devastation means now. It's a completely different meaning to me. If I did miss out, it would be a disappointment, certainly not devastation."
Arter also spoke about his hope of making his family and Renee proud: "I was proud to say she was my daughter and I want to try and do her proud if she's watching."
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