BUENOS AIRES, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Chile international midfielder Javier Altamirano has thanked fans for their support after resuming light training this week.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a seizure on the pitch while playing for Estudiantes against Boca Juniors in Argentina's top flight on March 18.
"For now, I'm training without contact or friction," Altamirano said in an interview published by Cielo Sports on Friday.
"I'm only doing light movement to regain strength and aerobic capacity but being able to be with my teammates is already a huge step."
Altamarino spent more than a week in intensive care after the incident, which doctors say was caused by a thrombosis.
"I'm a person who has a low profile, but I was struck by the fans' affection for me and my family," Altamirano said. "The support was a positive emotional boost that gives me extra motivation for what's ahead."
Despite being cleared to resume light training, Altamirano is not expected to return to the pitch for at least another month.
Estudiantes will meet Velez Sarsfield in the final of the Primera Division's first stage in Santiago del Estero on Sunday. ■
