Torricelli - I was on brink of quitting

The ex-Italian international was left in limbo after former club Fiorentina were relegated to Serie C and forced to release the majority of their players.

Torricelli struggled to find himself new employers last summer, but has enjoyed a new lease of life after resurrecting his career with Catalan outfit Espanyol.

"Yes, I thought about leaving it (football) because I didn't have anything. It was a very hard summer," the 33-year-old told Marca.

"It's much better this time though as I'm in a team where I find myself wanted and where I am happy.

"I am very grateful to this team (Espanyol) because they gave me the opportunity to play again.

"I knew I was coming to try and help save them from relegation, but they gave me the same, I wanted to feel like a footballer again."

The former Juventus defender is confident that Espanyol can look towards the top end of the Spanish top-flight this term after boss Javier Clemente's summer signings, and admitted he was taking things season by season on a personal level.

"Yes, I believe that we have a stronger team this season.

"But I still can't explain why we suffered so much last season with the players we have, but sometimes football gives you surprises.

"I still don't know (about my future). I'm taking things a year at a time.

"If I feel good this season, I would like to continue playing football, but if not, I think I would consider retiring."