Josh Dasilva thanked Brentford fans, staff and teammates after making his first appearance in 822 days during the 3-0 win over West Ham.
Josh Dasilva said he was “speechless” after making his first Brentford appearance in 822 days during Saturday’s 3-0 win over West Ham United.
The midfielder came on late at the Gtech Community Stadium, replacing Mikkel Damsgaard after Brentford had already built a commanding lead. For Dasilva, the result was only part of the story. His introduction marked the end of a long injury absence and brought one of the most emotional moments of Brentford’s season.
Speaking to Brentford’s media team after the match, the 27-year-old admitted the moment had been difficult to process.
“I’m speechless,” Dasilva said. “There are so many emotions. I’ve waited so long for this.
“Since I’ve been here, the fans and the club have shared a lot of special moments with me. The loyalty the fans have shown me as a player has been amazing.
“Whenever I see them in and around the stadium, they show me so much love, so I can’t thank them enough.”
Dasilva’s return was met with a huge ovation from the Brentford supporters, underlining the connection he has built with the club during his time in west London. After such a long spell away from the pitch, the reception clearly carried extra meaning.
The midfielder also thanked those who had supported him through the most difficult stage of his career.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my faith, if it wasn’t for my belief in Jesus,” he said. “I also wouldn’t be here without my family, my friends, the club, Matthew [Benham], Phil [Giles], Keith [Andrews], the boys with how they’ve been with me, and the fans.”
Dasilva also credited Andrews for the role he has played in his return. The pair had worked closely together when Andrews was Brentford’s set-piece coach, and that relationship has continued since he became head coach.
“Keith has played a big part in the last couple of years,” Dasilva said. “We had that relationship when he was set-piece coach and since he’s become the gaffer, he’s given me so much confidence and belief; I can’t credit him enough.
“He’s been so good with me and I’m happy for him for what he’s doing. You can see we believe in him and we trust him.”
Dasilva said Andrews also spoke to him after the match, but admitted repeating the message would likely make him emotional.
“If I repeat what he said to me after the game, then the floodgates might open to be honest, but it was a really nice speech,” he added.
The return came on a strong afternoon for Brentford, who ended their winless run and kept their European hopes alive. For Dasilva, though, the bigger step was simply being back on the pitch.
“I love the club,” he said. “I have a devotion to the club, so I’ve enjoyed that period of time being around it and it’s helped spur me on.”