Henrique has delivered a huge heart-felt ‘thank you’ to Brisbane Roar fans for their tumultuous response after he netted the match-winner against Perth Glory at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
The Slippery Fish, who had spent eight months on the sidelines after a knee reconstruction, became emotional as thousands of fans cheered his name after he darted in to slot away a clever Javier Hervas assist in the 74th minute.
“I recognised how much they love me and I think they know I love them as well,” Henrique said after training today as he reflected on Sunday’s match.
“This club is really special for me. Since I came here the club hugged me in a good way and the supporters too. It was really good to hear all of them cheering my name.”
Although his comeback could not have been scripted any better, Henrique is certainly not getting ahead of himself ahead of Friday night’s clash against Melbourne City FC at Suncorp Stadium (7pm kick off).
With Matt McKay, Jamie Maclaren and Corey Brown coming back into the squad later this week after international duty, the competition for spots goes up another notch.
“Sunday definitely was a big moment but now it is in the past. I am fully focussed on the next one,” Henrique said.
“I want to play every game but all over the park now we have competition. Every coach in the world wants this.
“It is good for everybody. We come here every day working hard.
“We want to perform better every week. It was one step last week this will be another step.”
Henrique (above with Jade North) said the Roar players would read nothing into City’s inconsistent form this season (their two wins and a draw have been countered by three losses).
“That’s for their coach. Our job here is to prepare the best way possible to get the result,” he said.
Marquee player Thomas Broich (below) did a pool recovery session today, sporting a large bruise on his knee when he copped a stud in the final minutes of Sunday’s game.
He said the bruise would not affect his availability for selection on Friday.
Defender Daniel Bowles, who had a leg muscle cork in the second half on Sunday, trained as normal today.
Michael Theo also put in more work today with Head Coach John Aloisi saying the goalkeeper was still at least a week away from a full return.
Don’t miss Friday night’s action which is the last home game for several weeks because of concert booking at Suncorp Stadium. To secure your seats, click here
