The Milan defender has struggled with several injuries throughout his career, and has missed the last five months of action with a lower-back problem.

He finally returned to the relief of Rossoneri fans today in the friendly defeat to KF Tirana, playing the entire second half without difficulty.

Nesta spoke to the media after the match about his long-awaited return: "Physically I am fine, my back gave me no hassle, but I'm still lacking some speed. I tried to force some shoulder to shoulder challenges with opponents and fortunately I didn't feel any of the pain that kept me off the field for so long."

Nesta's return will be a welcome sign for coach Carlo Ancelotti as Milan have been struggling to keep their centre-backs injury-free all season as Paolo Maldini, Kakha Kaladze and Philippe Senderos have all fallen to fitness issues at one point or another in this young campaign.

It is still unlikely that Nesta will suit up against Sampdoria at the San Siro this weekend, though, as he has yet to reach match fitness even though he is finally over his injury worries.

Goal.com