Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is targeting a return to match action next year as he recovers from a 10th operation on a troublesome ankle injury.
The diminutive Spaniard, 33, has not played for the Gunners since October 2016, when he helped his team to 6-0 win over Ludogrets in the Champions League.
Last year, he told how he came close to needing his foot amputated due to infections following a string of surgeries.
However, after starting to walk without crutches, he appears to be more optimistic about his future in the game.
Speaking to RTVE , Cazorla revealed there were times when he considered quitting.
He said: "There have been moments when I've thought about throwing in the towel. I've thought things like 'maybe it is not worth continuing'.
"If things go well, maybe next year I can play at the top level again.
"The last surgery was seven weeks ago, and my tenth in total. The first surgery was risky because I took many corticosteroids and the skin deteriorated.
“Then a skin graft was proposed and after that, the infection ate my tendon".
Cazorla, Arsenal vice-captain and a favourite among fans, joined the Gunners from Malaga in 2012.