Nicklas Bendtner has thanked Arsenal fans for their support.
Arsenal beat West Brom in a penalty shoot-out at the Hawthorns, setting up a Capital One Cup fourth round tie against Chelsea.
Nicklas Bendtner was recalled to the side after a two-year absence, of which he spent on loan at Sunderland and Juventus.
He suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury at the Italian side last season meaning his time there never really got going, and was unable to clinch a move away from the Gunners this summer.
With Arsenal unsuccessful in signing a senior striker, Bendtner has been recalled by Arsene Wenger, along with Park Chu-Young who made the bench.
Arsenal drew the game 1-1, with Bendtner setting up Thomas Eisfeld’s 61st minute strike.
He stepped up to coolly score Arsenal’s first penalty of the shootout, which was probably just as well from a personal point of view and much as a team one.
GIF: Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner runs into the post
The Dane has been a much-derided figure and even he admits he is fortunate to be playing for the club still, and is clearly appreciative of his chance.
After the match he posted a message on Instagram praising his young teammates – which included Kristoffer OIsson, Serge Gnabry Isaac Hayden and Chuba Akpom who all featured – and thanked fans for supporting him and even singing his name, describing his return as ‘very emotional’.
“Very emotional return, but what better way than a win! Fans was absolutely incredible throughout the game and help us in difficult periods. For myself I was very moved by my reception and hearing my song again made my heart skip! Young players did ever so well and kept there cool in a difficult penalty shootout. Respect! Skipper! looking fresh!”
You can check it out below:
Can his humble attitude last?
image: © lodekka
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