Hoffenheim midfielder Boris Vukcevic has insisted that he has not yet given thought to a possible return to football as he continues his recovery from a car crash last year that left him in a critical condition.

Vukcevic, who is now able to walk without aid, was grateful for the support that he received and intends to keep making slow progress.

"I'd prefer to be able to thank every single one of you individually," the 23-year-old told Hoffenheim's preview magazine. "Nobody need worry about me anymore.

"I'm doing well, but the time's not right for [talk of a recovery]. I've still got a lot of work.

"I'd like to carry on taking small steps forwards and can only ask everybody to respect that."

Vukcevic has made 78 Bundesliga appearances for the club so far in his career.