David Bentley cut an emotional figure as he reiterated his love for Blackburn Rovers after returning to Ewood Park for their Legends match.
The club celebrated its 150-year anniversary by welcoming back former heroes to play against Old Etonians. That included Bentley, who was the star of the show, scoring inside two minutes and winning Player of the Match.
Plenty of supporters stayed behind to watch the legends take to Ewood Park after the defeat to Derby County and showed their appreciation afterwards.
For Bentley, it was a special moment. He enjoyed the best years of his career at Rovers and was delighted to be back for a big occasion.
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"Unbelievable, what a feeling," Bentley told RoversTV.
"Seeing everyone, seeing all the fans, seeing all the players, getting to play with a couple of legends that were legends to me. Colin Hendry, Kevin Gallacher, being out on the pitch with them was nice for me.
"To see the fans and being in and around the club, I didn't know about the cap. That was a special moment to have that and to come back and be appreciated. I loved every minute of it.
"I nearly teared up on my way round. Beautiful, I love it. Just this club, follow everything the club does. It was a beautiful place. It was such a nice time in my life.
"I'll just remember it for the rest of my life. Blackburn, it's beautiful. Coming back this morning, you're just filled with excitement and anticipation of playing.
"But also being in and around the building and seeing old people. Beautiful, love every minute of it."
Bentley stayed away from the football spotlight for a while after his career at the top didn't work out. However, as his children have become more invested in football, his love for the sport is returning.
He is doing more media work and plans to have a more public-facing profile again after rediscovering his passion.
"I'm working in the media a lot more now," he explained.
"I'm just looking, next ten years, just to enjoy it, get back into football through the media route and enjoy it. Be with the fans, be in and around football. Just bring a bit of fun back.
"I miss it. You know, nights like tonight, I know it's not, but when you come and watch the games or whenever I go, I'm missing it a lot more as my son has developed into loving football.
"I go to the games a lot more and be in and around it. He started playing and you get the buzz for it. Then you remember what it was all about before you became all cynical and horrible.
"You remember that's why I love football. You do miss it at times. I don't sit there every day going, oh no, but I miss the crack.
"I always love being in and around people and being in and around the game. I'm going to be in and around the game, but just in a bit of a different capacity."
As for a return to Ewood Park, Bentley insists he will be back again soon.
"You'll be seeing a lot more of me," he said with a typical smile.
"I'd love to come back in some capacity to do a few bits for the club. Ambassador, mascot, bit of commentary. I'd love to give something back."
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