Simone Pepe desperate for return to fitness

Juventus winger Simone Pepe has declared that he is focused on returning to training this summer after a season wrecked by injury problems.

Pepe has managed just 20 minutes of Serie A action this season after suffering a serious knee ligament injury early in the campaign.

The 29-year-old, who was warmly received by the Bianconeri fans during their title celebrations this week, has admitted that he is desperate to repay their faith by finding form and fitness.

He told the club's official website: "It was a great success and I still feel part of it even though I've hardly played.

"The manager, staff and team-mates have always been close to me and the fans have continued to applaud me. I'd also point out that even though I've only played 20 minutes, I've done well in the past.

"But now I want to repay all this support. I'm doing rehabilitation and hope to be ready for pre-season in July. I'm 100% raring to go."

The Italian international has 23 caps for his country and has been a key feature for Juve since signing from Udinese in 2010.