AC Milan's Gattuso willing to play for free

Gennaro Gattuso has dismissed the suggestion he might never return from the eye problems which have sidelined him since the start of the season and revealed he would be willing to play for free in order to stay at AC Milan.

The combative midfielder was diagnosed with diplopia in his left eye after colliding with team-mate Alessandro Nesta during the Rossoneri's Serie A clash with Lazio at San Siro back in September, but it was hoped he would return to action in January.

However, it emerged after Milan's trip to Dubai during the winter break that Gattuso is now suffering from ocular myasthenia, a disease of the neuromuscular junction brought on by a form of influenza which he had contracted during the visit to the United Arab Emirates.

The most recent setback sparked fears Gattuso might be forced to retire from the game but the former Italy international insists he is nearing a return to action.

"I'm doing a little better and I hope to start doing physical work again in within a week," he told Milan Channel.

"Right now, I miss football. If it were up to me, I'd return to the field immediately. But I will wait to see what the doctors say.

"My condition is strange and difficult to beat. But those that know me know that I live for football.

"At 34, I still haven't thought about quitting; I miss the adrenaline of the game so much.

"I am also willing to play for free. I said it to [Milan CEO] Adriano Galliani: it's not a question of money; I want to go back to doing what I love."

Gattuso pointed out that it simply is not in his character to stop fighting and the prospect of lining up at San Siro once more is a tremendous source of motivation for him.

"I have founded my whole career on the desire to fight and to improve every day with hard work, so I never give up," he declared.

"I get many letters and emails of affection; they appreciate the player and the man.

"I have never denied the love I have for this shirt and these fans. I hope I can soon return to the sound of the fans screaming my name from the stands."

Gattuso has made over 300 Serie A appearances for Milan since joining the club from Salernitana in 1999.