Brentford striker Igor Thiago has explained why he decided to sign a new contract with the west Londoners.

The 24-year-old cited the supporters - as well as his relationships with Keith Andrews, other staff and team-mates - as being key factors for opting to pen a new deal until the summer of 2031.

Thiago’s new deal includes a club option to extend his stay by a further year.

“I love the club and the people in the club,” said the Brazilian no.9, who has netted 17 goals in 26 Premier League games this term. “It’s a true love, a real love.

“In the beginning, when I first came, I had the injury. The staff and the people around the training ground were helping me and supporting me.

“When the fans support me, and I see them singing my name and singing my song, it gives me more power. I’m really happy for all of the love they have given to me. It means so much.”

He added: “With Keith, it’s more of a relationship as a father and a son. I’m really happy with him as he trusts and believes in me."

“I’m enjoying every single day and every single training session so much. It’s been a good journey and I’m happy to be here.”

That journey has seen Thiago become the first Brentford player to win the Premier League Player of the Month back in November and, in January, score his first hat-trick for the club in a 4-2 win against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

He highlighted September’s 3-1 win against Manchester United, in which he bagged a brace, as his best moment of a remarkable season so far, before looking ahead to the final 11 matches of the campaign.

“That game was a dream for me, and then to get the first goal with my left foot - it was amazing,” Thiago explained.

“God has blessed me so much through this season, so I’m really happy. I just want to keep doing the same things that I have been doing up until now - but I also think I can improve and give more for the club.

“It has been a great season for us. Everybody has been on the same page. I hope we can get something special from it.”