AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta has returned to full training alongside his team-mates, according to the Rossoneri's official website.

The former Italian international has been struggling with injury since the end of last season and has not made an official appearance for the club in over a year.

The 33-year-old centre-back has been doing specific recovery exercises since late February, but now appears to be moving back to full fitness as he took part in his first full training session in quite some time on Tuesday.

Recently, the Italian press had suggested the player may retire due to his injury problems, but the player quickly denied those stories and indicated he wanted to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.

Nesta has appeared in the UEFA Team of the Year four times and made over 350 appearance in Serie A. Despite his recovery, it is unlikely he will be risked during the final two matches of the 2008-09 campaign.