Milan, Oct 4: Juventus' seasoned midfielder Claudio Marchisio stressed on Tuesday that he is enjoying good physical and mental health as he is approaching full recovery from a knee injury he sustained last April, and hopes that he will return to the field after the international football break.

In an event taking place in Milan, Marchisio told the press he hopes to be called up after the international break, especially as he is now in the final stages of recovery, reports Efe.

The Italian international suffered a severe knee injury last April 17, but confirmed he is feeling better now.

"I've been working hard all summer to recover in the best way possible and now this is the best part," the 30-year-old, who has been part of the Turin giants since 2006, said.

"I've rejoined my teammates, resumed training with the ball and I can sense that the moment of my return is getting even nearer," Marchisio added.

Marchisio was impressed by the strong start made by his club in the season. And he is also impressed by the new signings made by Juventus this summer, like Gonzalo Higuain, Dani Alves, Miralem Pjanic.

"There's no doubting the fact that we've started this season much better than the last. Even yesterday at Empoli we played a great game and on another day we might have been out of sight already at half-time.

"We have guys among our ranks capable of providing the killer blow in the space of a few minutes, just as happened yesterday.

"What's more, our game management at Empoli was also very good. We didn't take any risks at all," he said.

"The team has been strengthened over the summer, but we will only know at the end of the season if this Juventus side is stronger than previous ones.

"We've got a number of tough matches coming up both in Serie A and the Champions League, but we must not take any of the other fixtures lightly, showing the same professional approach," the Juventus' second vice-captain added.

"People are saying that we're beginning to run away with the Serie A title, but I repeat, you can only achieve your objectives through hard work. It's crucial that everyone continues to demonstrate the same desire to do well that we are now."

IANS