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Crystal Palace's Pape Souare reflects on 'amazing season' after Premier League return

Crystal Palace left-back Pape Souare has spoken of his delight after he made his first English Premier League appearance following his recovery from a long injury lay-off.

In September 2016, the player was involved in a horrific auto crash which left him with a broken jaw and thighbone.

And after a long period spent recuperating on the sidelines, the former Lille player made his return to action in a League Cup encounter in September.

However, on the final day of 2017-18 EPL season, Souare made an eight-minute cameo - his first top-fligt outing since August 28, 2016 [vs. Bournemouth] - as Palace defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-0.

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"I felt good because I've been training with the team at least for a month, so I know them, so I know this stadium as well, so everything went well," Souare told Football London.

"It was a long recovery for me and I'm very happy to be back playing on the pitch.

"I was always working hard, and he [Roy Hodgson] thought I deserved to come in and he gave me the chance, and even if it is not long I'm happy and proud to be on the pitch again."

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The 27-year-old lauded the medical staff at the Selhurst Park outfit, saying: "They were very good.

"You can see it because I recovered very quickly, and I am back on the pitch so I'm proud of them as well because they helped me a lot."

On the club's fans and officials, Souare said: "They have been great, everyone can see it.

"I can see it as well everywhere in the social media how they support me, and when I come on how they sing my name.

"It's a very amazing season for me because everything was questioned before everything, so now I am back on the pitch and I can play, and I am very happy to put the shirt on as well and come on the pitch.

"When you watch [from the sidelines], you think you can offer your heart and everything for this club because they gave me the chance to come in the Premier League so it's just about that.

"But everyone knows that I had a big injury, so I am very proud for this season's recovery and now back on the pitch."

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