MILAN (AP) — Spanish tenor Placido Domingo says the joy of returning to the stage is "immense" six weeks after colon cancer surgery.

A healthy-looking Domingo told a news conference Monday that he is most happy that he is able "after everything to continue my career."

Domingo sings the lead role in Verdi's "Simon Boccanegra" at Milan's Teatro alla Scala for six shows beginning Friday.

Domingo interrupted a busy international schedule after being struck with severe pain during concerts in Japan in February. He had surgery March 2 in New York.