One of the few survivors of the fatal plane crash that killed 71 people, including 19 players and staff from Brazilian club Chapecoense, has promised he will return to Brazil to complete his recovery.

Defender Alan Ruschel is seen in a video released by the hospital treating him — Hospital San Vicente Fundacion de Rionegro — giving the thumbs up and speaking about his still fragile condition.

"Hello people from Brazil and the entire world who have been following my recovery," Ruschel says in the clip.

"I would like to say that I am recovering very well, I will soon come back to Brazil to finish my recovery. 

"I want to thank all of you, for giving me strength and for the messages of affection that I have also received. I just wanted to thank everyone, thank you very much."

The 27-year-old was one of the first survivors pulled from the crash wreckage in Colombia, where Chapecoense was set to play in the Copa Sudamericana final against Medellin-based club Atletico Nacional.

The title was given to Chapecoense as a mark of respect in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Only two other players survived alongside Ruschel — goalkeeper Jackson Follmann, who lost a leg in the crash, and fellow defender Helio Neto, who remains in intensive care with severe injuries to his head and lungs among them.

There were just six survivors in total, the others being two Bolivian crew members and a journalist, who was on route to cover the match.

There has been an outpouring of grief across the football world since the crash, with leagues across Europe and the world observing silences and other respectful gestures.