Following 8-month betting ban, Ivan Toney aims to repay Brentford’s faith amid Arsenal transfer speculations

Brentford will have a huge boost to their season as Ivan Toney is set to return to the pitch for them. The English striker was banned for a period of eight months in May of last year for breaching gambling rules, as soccer players are not allowed to bet on soccer games.

His ban meant that he could not play a single minute during that period, and Brentford suffered a lot due to that. However, his ban is set to end on January 16, which means that the striker will finally be on the pitch for his team, even though there are rumors about an exit. And now he has spoken on that situation himself.

Ivan Toney breaks silence on 8-month ban

Ivan Toney has recently spoken on a number of things during an interview, speaking about his lengthy ban and his soccer return. The striker did not speak about his ban before, and he has broken his long silence on it now.

After last playing in May, Toney can make his return against Nottingham Forest F.C. soon. Before the ban, he was one of the best strikers in the Premier League last season, with 20 goals to his name. And just when he was rising in form and name, the ban happened.

The 27-year-old revealed the psychological impact of the ban, saying that he stopped loving the sport, “I didn’t watch football for a while. In a way I punished myself. There was a stage I probably did fall out of love with football.”

While he suffered a lot, he has admitted he is over it, “Missing games and not being around my teammates was tough. I was confused but what’s done is done now.” Toney did not sit idle during his ban, training by himself at the club’s training ground and even by himself. His family and friends also played a pivotal part to make sure he didn’t fall into depression.

Ivan Toney wants to repay Brentford

There was huge talk in the transfer market that Ivan Toney would get a big money move to another club, with Arsenal heavily interested in the player. There was talk that he would be signed in the January transfer window itself, as they are lacking goals up front. However, he somewhat clarified his immediate future in the same interview.

The Brentford striker revealed that he was grateful to the club for their help during the ban, thanking manager Thomas Frank and the fans as well.

He thanked the whole club and promised to repay them, “From putting on extra sessions for me, from taking their time out to put a session on when they’re not supposed to be in. I have a lot to repay them and I can’t wait to try and do that.”

These comments are hinting that Toney plans to help Brentford, who are 16th in the Premier League and fighting relegation. He may not make a transfer in the current window, which will dismay his suitors, especially Arsenal. However, there is no concrete evidence yet or any report on this matter yet.

Ivan Toney will most likely make his return on January 20, when Brentford will take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.