Sandro described his return as 'an amazing feeling'.

The midfielder was back in the thick of it after coming off the bench an hour into Saturday’s friendly against Espanyol at White Hart Lane – just a day short of seven months since picking up a knee injury at QPR.

“It was fantastic, an amazing feeling,” said the Brazilian international and fans’ favourite. “It felt like my first game all over again.

“It’s been seven months without football so to come back and see the fans, it was amazing for me.

“It was a special moment and I have to say thank-you to everyone. I’m so happy and now I will improve myself every day to get stronger and stronger.”

A real character around the club, Sandro admitted to tough times as he fought his way back to fitness.

“It’s been very difficult,” he said. “It changes your life. I’m a footballer and I can’t live without it. Everything changes. I want to be happy but without football, it’s difficult. I was happy but hurting inside.

“I feel good now. It means everything to be back.”