Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has insisted that he’s never even considered quitting the game despite numerous injuries keeping him out for the majority of his career in England.
The Frenchman is aiming to return to action before the end of the season, as the club aim to end their current trophy drought, with both the FA Cup and the Premier League still in their sights.
Diaby hasn’t been in action since last March due to a serious knee ligament injury, and it is another injured added to the long list that that haulted his career in North London, but despite the continous blows, the midfielder has refused to give up and is still hopeful of making a return.
“I never had such a long break,” Diaby told France Football. “I never had a knee injury and it is really weird. You can feel physically there is something different.
“But I learnt a lot from my injuries. I can keep things in perspective.
“Even now I am very close to the end of my specific work, I keep things in perspective.
“I can master my impatience. I want to be back being strong, very strong and perfectly at ease in my body.
“I work hard without asking questions. I work hard because I know in the end I will play again.
“I am still a high level footballer in my mind, otherwise I would have given up. But I never think to give it up.
“It doesn’t mean I never had difficult moments, but I have always bounced back. Some people experience much more difficult things in their lives. I know my reward will be to have fun playing again.
“I will take stock with Arsenal medical staff early in April, but I hope to resume collective training sessions very soon.
“My priorities? Feeling fine and play again before the end of the season.
“I don’t think I will be scared to play. I trust my body. Nowadays I feel strong, but I know coming back to London I will also have some changes. I am watching closely my diet and recovering periods.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
