AC Milan forward Jeremy Menez has admitted that he would most likely be in jail if it weren't for football.

The France international grew up in a rough suburb of Paris and reveals that his life could have gone very differently.

"Perhaps if I had not had football I could have ended up in jail," the 27-year-old said, according to Goal.com.

"After all, a lot of my friends are there. Theft, drugs, those sorts of things... there you want everything but money is short."

The former Paris Saint-Germain forward is currently in fine form, netting eight times in 13 appearances for the Rossoneri, and is looking to help Milan climb the table as they seek a return to the Champions League.

Milan are looking to bridge the three-point gap with Napoli this weekend, as Filippo Inzaghi's men come up against Roma.