Brave Sean Cox made a star turn at a charity match in his honour last night in front of 27,000 fans.
The dad of three smiled and seemed to enjoy his first public outing since he was attacked outside Anfield last April.
There was a standing ovation as the 54-year-old waved to the Aviva Stadium crowd when he appeared on a big screen during the game between the Liverpool Legends and Ireland Legends.
Mr Cox, from Dunboyne, Co Meath, suffered life-changing head injuries before the Champions League semi-final between the Reds and AS Roma.
Hundreds of thousands of euro were raised last night to help with his care.
He was joined in Dublin by his wife Martina and children Jack, Shauna and Emma. President Michael D Higgins met the family on the pitch as fans sang You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Liverpool fan Sean Cox makes appearance as legends turn out for benefit match
A statement from Martina read: “The last 12 months have not been easy for us but what has helped us get through this difficult journey has been the outpouring of support and genuine concern for Sean. For this we will always be thankful. We are filled with gratitude and feel truly blessed.
“A heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this special day, it will stay with us for a very long time.”
Before kick-off, a minute’s silence was held for the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster, marking 30 years since the tragedy on Monday.
Then the two sides headed out, with the Liverpool Legends captained by Ian Rush and a Republic of Ireland Legends side led by Robbie Keane. The teams were managed by Kenny Dalglish and Mick McCarthy respectively.
Stars such as Niall Quinn, Ronnie Whelan, Ray Houghton, Damien Duff, Lee Carsley, Jason McAteer, John Aldridge and Kevin Doyle lined out for the Boys in Green.
Liverpool legend Ian Rush will play through injury in Sean Cox fundraiser game
Meanwhile, Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Vladimir Smicer, Jerzy Dudek, Glen Johnson and Patrick Berger all donned their boots for the Reds.
The game ended 2-1 for Liverpool. Keith Andrews opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a blistering shot before World Cup ’94 hero John Aldridge equalised with a 37th minute penalty. Vladimir Smicer nabbed the winner in the second half.
Afterwards, Aldridge said: “It was a great night and a great turnout and well done for everyone for coming out.”
Smicer added: “I’m so happy a lot of fans turned out today, it was a great night. I scored a goal but it was not important, the important [part] was being here.”
Mr Cox has been recovering at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.
Simone Mastrelli, 30, from Rome, was jailed for three-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to the assault.
