Brentford midfielder Josh Dasilva reflected on an emotional first appearance since January 2024 as the Bees defeated West Ham United 3-0 on Saturday afternoon.

The 27-year-old replaced Mikkel Damsgaard, the goalscorer of the west Londoners’ third goal, late on, receiving a huge ovation from the Gtech Community Stadium faithful.

"I’m speechless," said Dasilva, shortly after his first appearance in 822 days.

"There are so many emotions. I’ve waited so long for this.

"Since I’ve been here, the fans and the club have shared a lot of special moments with me. The loyalty the fans have shown me as a player has been amazing.

"Whenever I see them in and around the stadium, they show me so much love, so I can’t thank them enough.

"I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my faith, if it wasn’t for my belief in Jesus. I also wouldn’t be here without my family, my friends, the club, Matthew [Benham], Phil [Giles], Keith [Andrews], the boys with how they’ve been with me, and the fans."

During last season, Dasilva worked closely with Keith Andrews in his previous role as set-piece coach, a relationship that strengthened since the Irishman stepped up to become head coach in the summer.

"Keith has played a big part in the last couple of years," he continued.

"We had that relationship when he was set-piece coach and since he’s become the gaffer, he’s given me so much confidence and belief; I can’t credit him enough.

"He’s been so good with me and I’m happy for him for what he’s doing. You can see we believe in him and we trust him.

"If I repeat what he said to me after the game, then the floodgates might open to be honest, but it was a really nice speech.

"Having the summer we had, a lot of people wrote us off, so for the boys to be performing at the level they are sums up the culture from the top to bottom.

"I love the club. I have a devotion to the club, so I’ve enjoyed that period of time being around it and it’s helped spur me on."