Brentford’s prolific striker, Ivan Toney, announced his return to action on Wednesday, marking the conclusion of an eight-month ban for 232 breaches of betting rules. Fueling transfer speculation, the 27-year-old England international, who emerged as a target for clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, declared himself ‘free’ in a social media post.
In an interview with Sky Sports television, Toney shared his aspirations for the future, expressing a desire to play for a top club competing for titles. While acknowledging the uncertainty of the timing for a potential move, he emphasized the appeal of joining a high-profile team.
Toney’s recent comments stand in contrast to a statement made last week where he expressed gratitude towards Brentford, describing them as a supportive community club. In that interview, he pledged to contribute goals to aid the team in their battle against relegation. Brentford currently sits in 16th place, three points clear of the drop zone, facing challenges with player absences and injuries.
The striker, aiming for a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad, emphasized that his focus would be on letting his performance on the pitch speak for itself. He stated, “To be the best, you have to play with the best and compete against the best.”
Toney, Brentford’s top scorer last season, anticipates making his comeback against Nottingham Forest in a crucial fixture on Saturday. Expressing relief and eagerness, he described himself as a “free man” with a significant burden lifted, looking forward to enjoying the game and contributing to Brentford’s success.
