Fulham full-back Ryan Sessegnon was overwhelmed with emotion after ending his goal drought at Craven Cottage with a decisive goal in their 2-0 victory against his former team Tottenham.
Sessegnon had gone through a challenging five-year stint at Spurs, marred by injury and limited to just 57 appearances due to recurring hamstring problems. Last summer saw him released from Tottenham, prompting a return to his original club, Fulham, to revive his career.
Although it took until December for Sessegnon to make his second top-flight debut under Marco Silva, he has since received more opportunities. He took one such chance coming off the bench on Sunday, scoring with an exquisite right-footed curler in the 88th minute.
Despite not celebrating out of respect for Tottenham, Sessegnon's joy was evident as he scored for the first time at the Hammersmith End since 2018. Post-match, Sessegnon shared with FFCtv: “I was still waiting for that moment for me to happen and I am so happy it happened in an important game.
“I spent five seasons there (at Tottenham), still have a lot of respect for the club and for the people that work for the club hence why there was no celebration. I knew when I come on today if there was any loose ball or chance I could get, I wanted to make sure I took the chance and I did. Yeah, it’s hard to describe this feeling. It is amazing, honestly.
“The noise was incredible when the ball went in the back of the net and I was just happy to help the team to a vital three points.”
Fulham moved up to eighth after a clinical display and Silva reflected on the journey of Sessegnon, who has made 12 appearances this season. Silva added: “It was a really emotional game for him. It was an emotional comeback the day he signed again for our club after some tough seasons at Spurs.
“He’s in much better shape now. I know him much better as well, we all know his quality. He’s getting a little bit more chances to show what he can do. It was important. Emotional because the first goal at Craven Cottage, against Tottenham as well.”
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou allowed Sessegnon to leave last summer and admitted through gritted teeth it was a special moment for the defender. “It’s a great story but you’re asking the guy in me who’s feeling the pain of defeat now. I couldn’t be happier for Sess but that’s his story,” Postecoglou said.
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