Pape Souare has thanked Crystal Palace fans for helping him complete his amazing comeback.

Souare played 45 minutes of their League Cup win over Huddersfield on Tuesday night 12 months after a terrifying car crash left him with a broken leg and jaw, and fears that his career was over.

Palace fans made a banner - Keep Strong Paps - which they displayed after the crash and the 27-year-old defender says the support kept him going even after doctors told him he might not play again.

Souare said: “It was a good feeling to be on the pitch. I want to say thanks to the fans and everyone at the club.

Palace fans show their support (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)

“I am trying to give everything for them. That touched me a lot and I give everything for them.

“This is my first big injury since I was a footballer. It is a fantastic feeling to be back. But the most important thing is that I am back playing.

“It is all about the work the club did with me. The physios, the doctors, and I want to thank the hospital, the ambulance, everyone. Here playing again is for them as well.

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“It is step-by-step. I played with the first team. It is a different level in the Premier League. I played 90 minutes with the Under-23s, 45 minutes with the first team.

“I have been out for a long time but I was in good hands with the physios and everyone at the club.”