Emotional Danilo hails ‘special’ return from injury

Danilo says his long road back from injury was all worth it after he came off the bench to score in Rangers’ 6-0 win over Ross County on Saturday.

The Brazilian striker injured his knee against Hearts last December, and having made his return to first-team action against St Johnstone in the League Cup last weekend, he went a step further by scoring his first goal in nine months when he slotted past Ross Laidlaw in the County goal.

“I don’t have words to describe how special that was because all the rehab, all the process that has been made,” he said.

“I thank so much the staff, the physio as well for all the hard work they’ve been doing with me to prepare myself for this moment.

“I have prepared myself in my head ‘are you ready?’ From that moment I had in my head that every minute I would show that I am back fit.

“Since my rehab I was always trying to rush things. Trying to speak with the manager, I feel good, I feel ready.

“But obviously he knows how to protect our players. Especially myself because I always want to rush things.

“It’s been a really long rehab, really difficult for me at some period. But when you look back it was worth it to wait.

“Saturday was the best time to have the chance of scoring. In the last game as well I had some opportunities.

“I was really training hard the whole week. Just preparing myself for every minute, every chance I get. Trying to score.

“I got so much emotion about that. Hopefully there is many more to come. I’m delighted for the result. It was a great game. Everybody was willing to show the quality and get the chance when we got the opportunity. Everybody did a great job.”