Ivan Toney toasts return to football after Brentford star's betting ban officially ends

Ivan Toney's eight-month betting ban has come to an end with the Brentford striker celebrating it on social media - and he's now preparing for his return to Premier League football

Ivan Toney has declared himself "free" after his betting ban came to an end on Wednesday.

The Brentford forward has been absent for eight months after the FA hit him with a landmark punishment for breaching betting rules, which ran until January 16. Toney's been left to watch on from the sidelines, but has been ramping up his preparation to return and has now underlined his excitement.

His social media post showed a man walking out before throwing his arms in the air, with the accompanied caption "free". Toney had enjoyed his most prolific campaign in the top flight last term with only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane outscoring him.

The Brentford man notched 20 goals in 33 games as he continued to prove himself as a Premier League marksman. So much so that he's been heavily linked with a move to one of England's elite clubs. Arsenal and Chelsea are among those thought to be keen.

Toney, though, has underlined his commitment to Brentford, issuing his thanks for how they've stuck by him during his ban. He told Sky Sports: "Thomas Frank has been nothing but the biggest help I could have asked for – the whole club has. From putting on extra sessions for me, from taking their time out to put a session on and go outside when it’s raining when they’re not supposed to be in. I have a lot to repay them and I can’t wait to try and do that."

The Bees boss has made it clear he wants to retain his striker, despite huge sums likely being offered. “I want to keep him as long as possible and I only have that in mind," said Frank. "My only focus is getting him ready for the game against Nottingham Forest.”

Brentford have shown themselves to be a selling club for the right fee. Arsenal are poised to complete the signing of David Raya next summer but it may take close to £100million to convince the west London club to offload Toney.

Without Toney this term the Bees have struggled and currently sit in 16th having won only once in their last eight outings - suffering seven losses. Minus their main marksman Bryan Mbuemo has stepped up and notched seven times to be the team's top scorer.

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