Friday 28 July 2017 08:20, UK
Santi Cazorla admits he is still "far" from a return to the Arsenal team but says talk of impending retirement is premature.
The Spain international has been out of action for nine months, having suffered an Achilles injury that has required multiple surgeries.
Cazorla admits the absence has taken a toll on him emotionally as well as physically, although he is now back working in the gym and building up his fitness ahead of his return to training and, eventually, playing.
"I started my recovery two weeks ago. I'm still far [from playing]. I do not have strength in my tendon or muscle mass," Cazorla told Spanish radio station Ondo Cero.
"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.
"I do not know how far I am [from 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."
The 32-year-old has also had to read stories suggesting he was about to hang up his boots, and Cazorla says that has crossed his mind, but he is determined not to leave football on such a low note.
"Do not pay attention to that. Those who want to retire me will get to see me [play] again. I will return," he added.
"I ended up thinking that I would never again play football at my current level. I would come out of the operating theatre with everything fine, then have a relapse.
"My son asks me every day whether I will be able to play once again. I'm very eager to get back out on the pitch, and I hope it will be soon."
