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Featured Image Credit: Image: ESPN
Topics: Ajax, Eredivisie, Netherlands
Josh Lawless
Topics: Ajax, Eredivisie, Netherlands
Excelsior youngster Devin Plank was given a guard of honour vs Ajax after taking to the pitch for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer.
Around a year ago, the 20-year-old was given the dreadful news that he had developed a cancerous tumour in his fibula.
Plank had initially gone to hospital after experiencing pains in his leg but it turned out to be much worse.
It caused him to spend time on the sidelines and undergo chemotherapy. But on Thursday, Plank played his first minutes since October when he returned in the KNVB cup clash.
According to the Daily Mail, doctors had instructed him to play no more than two minutes for Excelsior so his ongoing recovery was not impacted.
As a result, he entered the fray in the 89th minute and was welcomed onto the pitch by all 22 players.
Ajax and Excelsior both formed a guard of honour and applauded the striker, who then embraced his teammates in heartwarming scenes.
Ajax were winning 9-0 against the third-tier outfit at the time but Plank was afforded a wonderful return to action - even if it was for just a couple of minutes.
You could see his beaming smile as he trotted onto the pitch and afterwards he described it as "the best moment of his life".
"I am very happy to have returned to the pitch, even though it was a short time," Plank told ESPN.
"It was an unforgettable moment We had already made four changes and I thought I was not going to come on. Fortunately, the coach did not forget me. I'm working every day to come back.
"I hope to have many minutes again as soon as possible."