Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has said he seriously considered quitting football last season after suffering a string of injury setbacks.
- McNicholas: Arsenal boosted by Chambers' versatility
- Mangan: Fun day out despite Red Bulls defeat
Diaby, 28, has played less than 1,000 minutes in the Premier League over the last three campaigns and was sidelined again when hit by knee ligament damage last season.
The France midfielder has had to battle back from a series of injury problems since moving to the Gunners in 2006, but said his return to action towards the end of last season had boosted his confidence.
He told the Mirror: "Sometimes it [retiring] crossed my mind -- but my love of football is so big that I just couldn't quit.
"I am still young, and now that I have an opportunity to play again I want to take it. I try to be positive all the time and that has helped me to come back.
"It's great to be playing again -- I am just happy to be back. Now I just hope I can keep like this and continue playing.
"My knee is feeling good, and I have been working hard on my fitness and strength.
"I have been doing so much work to make sure I am ready. That has taken up most of my summer -- but it has been good, because now I am in a position where I can play games."
Diaby has played a part in both of Arsenal's preseason friendlies so far, completing the second half of the 1-0 defeat to New York Red Bulls.
He will be aiming to convince boss Arsene Wenger that he is worthy of a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the forthcoming season.