体坛英语新闻：Higuain returns to Spain aiming to play before end of season

MADRID, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain arrived back in Spain this Thursday nine days after undergoing a back operation in Chicago.

Higuain underwent the operation on a distal hernia a week last Tuesday. The operation was carried out by the prestigious surgeon Dr Richard Fessler, who afterwards confirmed that Higuain would need at least four months to be match fit and around a year before he fully recovered.

Arriving at Madrid' s Barajas airport, Higuain promised that he would do his best to shorten his recovery time, although he admitted that he would not be taking any risks with his health.

"I am very well, the last check up I had before flying back went just as we hoped it would and everything is on track," he said to the host of journalists waiting for his flight.

"Almost all of the pain that I had in my leg, which stopped me from playing, has gone and I am starting the countdown to return to action. My body is what is going to guide my recovery, but I feel good and on track and I am confident that I will be able to be back in action before the end of the season (which finishes at the end of May)," said Higuain.

Higuain's injury has been a source of friction at the club with coach Jose Mourinho complaining with increased vehemence about Real Madrid' s failure to sign a replacement on loan.

Mourinho's criticism has highlighted his poor relation with Madrid's General Director, Jorge Valdano and has even started to provoke speculation that Mourinho may leave the club at the end of the current season. Higuain assures he doesn't want to see that happen.

"Our aim is for him to remain here. We are all happy with him," said Higuain.

Meanwhile when Valdano was asked about his relationship with Mourinho on television station Canal Plus, he replied that they got on well together. "I have zero problems with Mourinho," he said, before adding that the club was still trying to sign a striker on loan.