The former Italian international is yet to play a single game for Milan this season due to a continuous back problem, and media speculation suggested that the injury might force him to retire.

However, the 32-year-old confirmed from the United States, where he's undergoing a rehab program following a back operation, that he will soon be back to his best.

"I know that you journalists have been predicting the worst and have said that I will never recover physically," Nesta told Il Giornale.

"However, the work I have done has paid off. I worked hard during these weeks and I am ready to return to Italy. I will not end my career yet.

"I will be back in Italy on January 14 and the day after that I will be back at Milanello for physical preparations,"

Nesta, who played 78 games for Italy between 1996 and 2006, has made 156 appearances for Milan since joining the club from Lazio in 2002.