Villarreal striker Roberto Soldado has returned to first-team training for the first time in six months following surgery on his right knee.
The former Valencia and Tottenham Hotspur forward tore his anterior cruciate ligament and external meniscus in his right knee during a friendly match against Deportivo La Coruna in August.
The 31-year-old returned to training with his teammates on Tuesday afternoon after being given the all-clear from doctors, and he took to social media to express his joy at returning.
“Delighted to announce that I've been given the all-clear by doctors! Thanks to everyone for their support! The time has come to repay it,” wrote Soldado on twitter.
Soldado netted 10 goals and assisted in 15 others last season for Villarreal – his first season back in Spain after an unsuccessful stint in London.
His return to training comes less than a month after strike partner Alexandre Pato was sold to Tianjin Quanjian for €18m.
