Sean Cox celebrated his birthday at home on Thursday for the first time since suffering life-changing injuries from an unprovoked attack at a Liverpool match two years ago.
The dad-of-three is back on home turf in Dunboyne, Co. Meath after spending the last couple of years recovering from his injuries in hospitals in Liverpool and Dublin.
Cox was joined by his family as they toasted his 55th birthday on Thursday in their home.
On getting her husband home, Martina Cox wrote on Facebook: "This is a day we as a family have been looking forward to for a long time.
"While Sean still has a long road to travel, having him home with us is an incredibly important step as we come together as a family unit again.
"I can't thank enough those who have helped Sean along the way over the past two years. Without a doubt this support has made today possible.
"In particular, I would like to thank the incredible staff in Marymount Care Centre in Lucan for the care and support they have provided to Sean over the past number of months.
"At a time when staying at home takes on new meaning for all of us, its clear that there is no other place that Sean would rather be."
A legends charity match staged at the Aviva Stadium last year raised €748,000 for the Sean Cox Rehabilitation Trust.
Sean made his first appearance at Anfield since the incident in Liverpool's win over Manchester City earlier this season.
He met with boss Jurgen Klopp after the encounter, with the German declaring: “I saw Sean after the game - Great! It was very, very nice. It was very nice.
“He was very happy to see me and I thought I am much more happy to see him.
“It was special, it was nice. His wife and son were there as well, it was a wonderful day for them as well. It's what we wanted.
“I can say already that if he moves to Liverpool then he gets a season ticket, 100 per cent!
“It was for all the boys really important news when we heard he was able to come to the stadium and watch a football game.”
Italian fan Simone Mastrelli was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to assault.
