Pippo Inzaghi has claimed that he would carry on with his soccer career despite his serious knee injury which requires surgery.

The operation will force the 37-year-old out of action for at least six months, and he remains opmistic saying: "I will do everything to ensure this is not the end."

The Milan star sustained the ligament damage during Wednesday night's 3-1 win over Palermo.

"Life and football are like this. One minute you're playing and fighting, the next you're clutching your knee in your hands," he wrote on the official club website.

There are fears the 37-year-old might not be able to play professional football again after such a serious injury at his age.

"Deep down in your hearts you all know, as do I, that it will be difficult, but I won't give up. I will do everything, believe me, to ensure this is not the end," he said.

The knee specialist who will perform the surgery also agreed Inzaghi could recover to play again.

"The recovery time is around five to six months, so we can safely say the season is over," Dr Piero Volpi told MilanNews.it.

"With the right surgery and a good plan of recovery, Inzaghi will be available to start the next competitive campaign.

"His age will have absolutely no bearing on the matter. I found the player to be perfectly healthy in every other respect so, save for complications, he should respect the recovery timetable," the doctor said.