AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano has thanked well-wishers for their support following heart surgery.
Cassano will be discharged from hospital this week after undergoing an operation last Thursday to repair an atrial septal defect in his heart.
The Italy international has been ruled out indefinitely but the 29-year-old has vowed to return as quickly as possible.
In an open letter on AC Milan's website, Cassano said:
"I would like to express my personal thanks for all the extraordinary affection that you have given me in the past few days.
"I want to thank club owner Silvio Berlusconi, Milan and all its staff that have been so close to me during this time.
"The doctors that have taken care of me and have allowed me to face an injury that is so different from the ones I've experienced as a player, with courage.
"I want to sincerely thank Real Madrid, especially president Florentino Perez and coach Jose Mourinho."
Cassano played for Real Madrid from 2006 until 2008.
He added: "Now I will be resting at home, following closely on TV my Milan, the Italian national team and unfortunately the tragic situation in Genoa, a city that I carry in my heart and that soon will be able to overcome the problems they have faced in recent days.
"I will do the same and I promise everyone I will return as soon as possible to the pitch."
Cassano's last club before moving to Milan was Genoa-based Sampdoria.
Six people have died because of flash floods in the city on the Italian Riviera and its surrounding areas.
Italy's national team will be without Cassano as they travel to Poland on Friday before meeting Uruguay on Tuesday in international friendlies.
Cassano led Italy with six goals in qualifying for next year's European Championship finals.
