Lucas Bernardi is eyeing a return to former club Newell's Old Boys after ending his seven-and-a-half-year association with Monaco.

The 31-year-old midfielder, who has not played a game this season because of a recurring knee injury, has terminated his contract with the principality club.

The Argentinian has targeted a return to Newell's, where he started his career, once he gets his fitness back.

"I wish to play again in Argentina, for Newell's," he said.

"A career ends on the pitch - I need to finish by playing again.

"I am going to give my all in these next six months. Then we will see if I feel able to continue a while longer."

Bernardi, who joined Monaco from Marseille in July 2001 and played in the Champions League final against Porto in 2004, has raised the possibility of working with the club in the future as a scout in South America.

"I have discussed it with the president (Jerome de Bontin) and I am ready in the future to work with Monaco," he added.

"Scouting players in Argentina for example, even if we will have more time to define the role in more detail."

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