They hoped for a miracle, and they got it.
Fabrice Muamba made an emotional public appearance before Bolton’s game against Tottenham today, and was cheered home like a hero.
The star couldn't help shedding a tear as fans from both sides sang his name 46 days after seeing him collapse in front of them.
The 24-year-old had suffered a cardiac arrest in front of 36,000 fans when the teams met in March.
Yet today — having left hospital two weeks ago —he was able to walk to the centre circle and applaud all four sides of Bolton's Reebok Stadium.
It was his way of saying thank you to fans of both sides for their support after he received life-saving treatment on the pitch at White Hart Lane.
Before the moving appearance, he told how he found the support he received 'overwhelming' and how he wished he was playing today.
In a message to fans of both sides, he said: 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart.'
Muamba's fiance was also there to cheer him on.
Speaking before the match, Bolton manager Owen Coyle said: ‘It is a marvellous opportunity to thank both sets of fans. The way they rallied round him was incredible.
‘He would also have the opportunity to thank the Tottenham players personally. Their concern was there for all to see.
'It's fitting that the match is between these two clubs and that Fabrice is able to come along.
'I know Fabrice is very keen to show his appreciation to both sets of fans for their support.'
Muamba, whose heart stopped beating for 78 minutes following his collapse, spent a month at the London Chest Hospital before being discharged on April 16.
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside revealed he would be hosting Muamba and his wife Shauna in a series of tweets on Tuesday afternoon.
Gartside said: '@fmuamba @shaunamuamba can't wait to see you tomorrow at the Reebok COYW'.
The speed of Muamba's recovery amazed medical professionals.
He started talking two days after his collapse and began walking just over a fortnight later, although it is not yet known if he will play professional football again.
Since his discharge the midfielder has continued his rehabilition at home and on Saturday the former England Under-21 midfielder took to his Twitter account for the first time since the incident.
In his message he thanked people for their "prayers, love and support" and wished his team-mates well ahead of their match at Sunderland, which they drew 2-2.
By LEON WATSON
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