Nigel De Jong admits he’d love to “return for the Champions League Final” with Milan after undergoing surgery.
The former Manchester City midfielder saw his season come to a close back in December when he ruptured his Achilles tendon.
“I am very happy, even if I have been out for nearly three months and there are still a couple to go, but there is progress and I am already walking again,” he told Milan Channel.
“I need to get my muscles back in shape and that could take some time, but I am working hard to return to my previous levels.
“I am psychologically doing alright, as every time I come to the Milanello training camp, I think that I will return for the start of next season, hopefully even for the Champions League Final.
“We’ll see if I manage it, although I honestly doubt I will be back on the field again this season.”
De Jong remains philosophical on the serious injury that blighted his debut Serie A campaign.
“Everything happens for a reason. This is life. I must be concentrated on next season. The team is doing well, as we beat Barcelona and have such a young side.
“It’s a shame we didn’t manage to beat Inter, as we could’ve had three points. We are disappointed to only get a draw, as we knew that we were stronger than Inter.”
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