Ivan Toney has promised to "come back better than before" after being quizzed on his ban from football at Sunday's British Grand Prix.
Toney, 27, was handed an eight-month suspension by the Football Association in May for breaching their betting rules. The England international is not allowed to return to training with Brentford until September and can't play again until January.
Toney was in the form of his life before receiving his ban, scoring 20 Premier League goals last season. That sparked rumours of a summer transfer, but the former Newcastle striker has quelled speculation by praising Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
The banned star insists Frank makes players feel "loved" - even when they're not in the matchday squad. Toney will need to feel that affection over the coming months, as he aims to hit the ground running on his return to Premier League football.
Toney spoke to Sky Sports about his ban at Silverstone on Sunday. The prolific striker said: "He brings us strength and the love. When a player plays for somebody, they want to be loved. I feel loved. Thomas Frank definitely does that with all the players.
"Whether you’re starting, whether you come off the bench, whether you're not even in the squad - he makes all his players feel loved and special. That’s the quality he has.
"I think he's probably one of the best managers I’ve played under. He knows I’ll give my heart for him and put my body on the line for him."
Toney was then asked about the messages of support he's received since his ban was confirmed. He said: "It's been good, of course it's been good. But I’m a grown man, I take it on the chin and move forward. It's all good... I know I’ll come back better than before."
Frank was appointed Brentford's manager in October 2018 and won promotion to the Premier League by beating Swansea 2-0 in the Championship play-off in May 2021. That victory came a year after the Bees lost the same fixture 2-1 to London rivals Fulham.
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Brentford signed Toney from Peterborough in August 2020 and the Englishman played a huge role in their promotion to the Premier League, scoring 31 Championship goals during the 2020/21 campaign. He's continued to be prolific in the big time.
Frank also spoke to Sky Sports at the British GP and was asked whether Toney will keep his spirits up during this difficult time. The Brentford manager said: "Ivan is a positive guy with a strong mindset, so I'm not in doubt about that.
"He has a very good family and good friends around him to support him. Of course, me, the club and everyone would like to support him as well. I think it's good for him - for the mental health, which we need to consider - that he's out with the boys [today]."
