DUTCH footballer Devin Plank, who was diagnosed with cancer one year ago, received a guard of honour when he came on against Ajax on Wednesday night.
The 20-year-old forward, who plays for third tier side Excelsior Maassluis, discovered he had a cancerous tumor in his fibula after reporting discomfort in his calf.
But he has now made his return to football in a cup match against Eredivisie champions Ajax, coming off the bench in the 89th minute.
And Plank was thrilled to have received such a special guard of honour.
He said: "I am very happy to have returned to the field, although it was a short time.
"It was an unforgettable moment, perhaps one of the best of my life."
He then went on to add: "We had already made four changes and I thought I was not going to enter.
"Fortunately, the coach did not forget me. Only now do I realise this gesture."
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Plank now hopes to continue his gradual recovery and play as much football as possible.
The young Dutch player said: "I'm working on it every day to get back.
"I hope to get a lot of minutes back as soon as possible."
Ajax won the game 9-0 to reach the next round of the KNVB Cup as they look to defend the trophy they won last year.
Ajax have won the cup 20 times – seven more than any either Dutch side.
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