Anzhi Makhachkala left-back Roberto Carlos has refuted claims he is retiring from the game.
The Russian club's vice president, German Chistyakov, had confirmed that the ex-Brazil international was no longer part of the playing squad and would become part of Guus Hiddink's backroom staff once he had gained his coaching badges.
However, the 39-year-old has said that although he won't feature again this season, he is hopeful that he will be part of Anzhi's squad next term.
"I haven't gone away, and am only out of the squad until the end of the season. Next year I will play a few times!" the former Real Madrid defender told Globoesporte.
"I'm working with the coach. Just off the list because I hadn't been played, so they added someone else."
Carlos joined Anzhi in 2011 and has made 25 league appearances for the club so far.