Frenchman Abou Diaby has endured a miserable time with injuries during his time with the Gunners. The 28-year-old has suffered a remarkable 39 injuries and fitness lay-offs since joining for Arsenal in 2006 from Auxerre.

Diaby’s last injury was a devastating blow as he was gradually building up his fitness before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in March 2013 which meant he would be out of action for 9 months following surgery on the left knee.

However, following months of rehabilitation, the midfielder is finally fit now and ready to stake his claim in the Arsenal’s starting eleven. He claimed he considered retirement but his love for the game shone through, according to the Independent.

He said, “Yeah. Sometimes it 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.

He added, “It’s great to be playing again. Now I just hope I can keep like this and continue. My knee is feeling good, I have been working hard on my fitness and strength. I am really confident that I will be able to stay injury-free. I have worked hard for over a year.”

The French international has played in all of Arsenal’s pre-season friendlies and will be given another chance to impress in the Emirates Cup which starts this weekend. However, another injury could spell doom for his Arsenal career.