Mendes is not pursuing a legal claim against Thatcher

Mendes was knocked unconscious after Manchester City defender Thatcher hit him with his forearm.

"The first conversation I had with my wife was talking about that subject - the future," Mendes told BBC Five Live.

"The thing is, this can happen just on the road, everywhere something can happen but this is what I do and this is what I like to do, play football."

Interview: Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes

Mendes says he is ready to return to action against Wigan just 16 days after the incident after a specialist gave him the go-ahead.

The 27-year-old has previously described Thatcher's challenge as the worst moment of his career.

"It was terrible. After the incident, I do not remember anything after that until I was in hospital," he said.

"It is the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my career."

Thatcher was banned for six games and fined �120,000 by his club.

The internal club punishment was separate from any Football Association sanctions over the incident.

Thatcher, who has written to Mendes to apologise for the challenge, must answer an FA charge of serious foul play by 12 September.

Mendes has said he will not pursue a legal claim against Thatcher, but the Portuguese star has urged the FA to "make the right decision on his punishment".