Brentford striker Ivan Toney has triumphantly announced his return to action after an eight-month ban for breaching betting rules.
In a jubilant post on X, Toney shared a GIF featuring comedian Dave Chapelle from the 1998 film Half Baked, capturing the essence of his freedom with a single word: ‘free.’
The Football Association suspended Toney last May, sidelining him from action until now.
The striker, who admitted to 232 breaches of betting rules, endured a period of isolation from training with his teammates until September.
Despite the setbacks, Toney has dedicated himself to regaining peak condition and recently showcased his readiness in a behind-closed-doors friendly, netting a hat-trick for Brentford’s B team against Southampton Under 23s.
Ivan Toney scored a hat-trick for Brentford B in a 5-1 friendly win over Southampton U23 earlier today as he prepares for his return to Premier League football 👀🐝
[🎥 @BrentfordFC] pic.twitter.com/0dclEQSjqN— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 6, 2024
With his ban officially lifted, Toney’s return to the Premier League is imminent, and Brentford fans are eager for his impact as the team faces Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The striker’s preparation has been evident, including a confident Panenka penalty against Brondby last Saturday, celebrated by Brentford on social media as a sign that their talisman is ‘ready to return.’
Will Ivan Toney Leave Brentford In January?
Amidst speculation of a January move to clubs like Arsenal or Chelsea, Toney has expressed loyalty to Brentford, praising manager Thomas Frank for standing by him during the ban.
The 27-year-old has openly shared the struggles he faced during this period, admitting to falling out of love with football.
However, he now vows to make an instant impact upon his return, a promise that will undoubtedly resonate with Brentford fans looking for a lift as the team sits just three points above the relegation zone.
As Brentford seeks to climb away from the bottom three, Toney’s comeback is a ray of hope for supporters, and his dedication to the club for the rest of the season is a reassuring prospect for the Bees.
Saturday’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest marks not just Toney’s return but also a pivotal moment for Brentford as they aim to reverse their recent form and secure vital points in the upcoming fixtures.
— Ivan Toney (@ivantoney24) January 17, 2024
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