AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is hopeful that he will not be forced to retire with a nerve problem in one of his eyes.

The midfielder sustained the injury during a training session last month when he collided with teammate Alessandro Nesta.

The condition is associated with dysfunction of the cranial nerve and the symptoms include double vision. The eye can turn towards the lesion, giving the sufferer a cross-eyed appearance.

However, Gattuso is now working on his fitness levels with a view to returning soon.

"My gym work is giving me the strength not to give up. There's worse things in life," said the 33-year-old.

Gattuso has made over 300 appearances for the Rossoneri since he joined the club in 2009.