Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has vowed to return as he steps up his recovery from an achilles injury.
The Spaniard has not played since the Gunners' 6-0 win over Ludogorets in October, suffering from an achilles tendonitis injury.
The 32-year-old has undergone multiple operations and was handed a new one-year deal at the Emirates this summer, despite recent rumours that he would not play again.
“Do not pay attention to that [rumours]," he told Spanish radio station Onda Cero. "Those who want to retire me will get to see me [play] again. I will return.
“I do not know how far I am [off returning] but I am convinced that I am going to play football again and at my best level.
“I am working on it and hopefully it can be as soon as possible. I am convinced that I will come back."
Cazorla posted footage of him back in the gym on Instagram yesterday as he steps up his recovery.
"I started my recovery two weeks ago," he continued. "I’m still far (from playing). I do not have strength in my tendon or muscle mass.
“I need time [to regain it] but I am very happy my recovery in this 15 days.
“I am fine but I do not want to set a return date because if I can’t fulfil it would be a big blow. I only think about the day to day. I really want to play again and I will work to get back as soon as possible.”
“The problem was that [doctors] did not know what’s going on," he said.
“But I went to Spain, they found a bacteria infection, and now it seems that problem is already solved.
“It looks like the operations are over. Now I’m very happy, starting the recovery that is was what I wanted.”
Cazorla joined the club in 2012 and has played 180 times during his five seasons in north London.