Chapecoense survivor Neto determined to play again

One of the Chapecoense players who survived the plane crash in Colombia has been released from hospital and is determined to play again.

Neto, 31, was among six survivors after the tragedy in which the team were travelling to Medellin for the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final.

The defender was discharged from hospital on Thursday and says his dream is to play for the Brazilian team again.

"I came here because I have to thank those who fight with me," he said. "It is impossible not to speak of those who have left.

"I lost many friends; I only remember good things from this group. Thank you all for everything you did for me.

"I believe that soon, I will soon be able to play. God willing, I will be stepping on the pitch in the Conda Arena with the Chapecoense shirt."

Chapecoense are set to return to action against Internacional de Lages in the Campeonato Catarinense competition on January 29.

The match is scheduled four days after a friendly between Brazil and Colombia to raise money for Chape, who will also take on Spanish champions Barcelona in next year's Joan Gamper Trophy.

The club were also awarded the 2016 Copa Sudamericana trophy by governing body Conmebol following the crash.

Neto added he was grateful for the support that he received worldwide.

"I want to thank everyone for their support, to send a heartfelt kiss to all the wives who have lost their husbands, their children, children who lost their parents," he said.