Inter Milan defender Nemanja Vidic has returned to training for the first time since August, joining his teammates at the club's winter training camp in Qatar.
Former Manchester United captain Vidic, who had an operation on a slipped disc in early August, had not been included in the squad of 25 players available for Serie A selection.
In an interview with Inter's TV channel, the 34-year-old said: "It's not easy to work on your own for six months, especially from a psychological point of view.
"But I am feeling well now, and I am ready. I'm delighted to be back training with the team.
"The operation on my back was difficult, but now I can train without pain and this is fundamental. I hope I can be considered as being like a new purchase for Inter -- I really want to play my part."
Manager Roberto Mancini indicated that Vidic, recently linked with a move to city rivals AC Milan, could find a way back into the team.
"If he is feeling well, there's no problem at all -- he is an Inter player," the coach, who fielded him from the start in 14 matches last season, said.