Leandro Castan has set his sights on helping Roma challenge Juventus for the Serie A title next season after returning from brain surgery.
Castan has not featured in the league since September and underwent a successful operation in December to remove a cavernoma - a cluster of abnormal blood vessels in his brain - after suffering acute dizziness.
"I want to help the club, Rudi Garcia and my team-mates to try and achieve our objective, which is to win [Serie A]," he said.
"When the doctor told me I might not be able to play again, it hurt. [Sporting director Walter] Sabatini called me at Trigoria [the club's training ground], and told me I had to stay.
"I thank him for not releasing me, and making me feel like a footballer. He gave me the strength not to give up. It was very important, I won't forget it.
"I've missed the Olimpico. I'm working to return to my level and hope to be there for the first day of Serie A
"I hope that myself, Kevin Strootman and Maicon can all give Roma what we couldn't offer last year."
