Josh Dasilva has issued an emotional message of gratitude to Brentford supporters after he made a long-awaited return from a serious knee injury.
The 27-year-old midfielder made his first competitive appearance in well over two years earlier this month, coming off the bench as the Bees eased past relegation-threatened West Ham.
His lengthy enforced lay-off was brought about by a serious knee injury in February 2024, which saw him suffer damage to his ACL, MCL and meniscus after falling awkwardly during a training session.
Dasilva subsequently underwent three surgeries and endured an extended period of rehabilitation, suffering various setbacks on the way.
He said he was over the moon to finally make his return to the pitch for Brentford, though, whom he helped earn promotion from the Championship in 2021.
His 91st-minute introduction against West Ham followed persistent chanting from supporters at the Gtech Stadium clamouring for him to feature.
“The videos don’t even do it justice. I literally thought I was at a festival,” Dasilva said in an interview with The Times. “I even started laughing.”
He continued, saying the show of support left him lost for words when head coach Keith Andrews asked him to give a speech to his team-mates postmatch.
“I physically couldn’t say anything. The love and the loyalty that the fans have shown me over the years — I have no words to say. I’m just grateful.”
Brentford remain in contention to qualify for European football this season, for the first time in the club’s history. They face London rivals and fellow continental aspirants Crystal Palace this weekend as they continue that quest, before visiting Liverpool on the final day of the season.
