Pictures: Fabrice Muamba makes apperance at the pitch after cardiac arrest

He emerged from the tunnel somewhat falteringly at first, the walking miracle. Fabrice Muamba, the man who was clinically dead for more than an hour, back on his feet and back in front of his fans.

Many of them had seen him fall 46 days earlier, and witnessed the desperate attempts to restart his heart on the pitch at White Hart Lane. They had chanted his name, more in desperation than hope; supporters of Bolton and Tottenham joining together in a moment that meant so much more than a game of football.

This was his chance to say thank you.

Welcome back: Fabrice Muamba takes to the pitch before the match between Bolton and Tottenham

'Welcome back to the Bolton family our very own Fabrice Muamba', boomed a voice over the public address as the fans rose as one again. A similar message was flashed on a big screen inside the stadium against a photo of a beaming Muamba.

Muamba walked out at 7.53, seven minutes before kick-off.

Tearful: Muamba was overcome with emotion after the fans gave him a huge ovation and sang his name

Down on the pitch he was still smiling, but only briefly, and then it gave way to tears. The 24-year-old raised a hand to acknowledge all four sides of the Reebok Stadium before lowering it to wipe his eyes. Up in the stands his fiancee Shauna cried as well.

Then Muamba hugged Bolton’s mascot Lofty the Lion and took one last round of applause before making way for his team-mates.

'I’m getting stronger every day,' said the midfielder, who mingled with players from both clubs in the tunnel area before the 4-1 win for Tottenham. 'I’m happy to be back, happy to see the fans outside. I’m overwhelmed by the support.

Overcome: Muamba's fiancee, Shauna, also wept in the stands at the Reebok Stadium

'It keeps me going every single day. I’ve still got about six or seven boxes of well-wishers’ cards to go through and I’m grateful for that. 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart, not just the Bolton fans but the whole country.

Incredible recovery: The Bolton midfielder's heart stopped for 78 minutes after his cardiac arrest

The support has been overwhelming and I’m just grateful I can walk again and do things normally again. 'This is a special place. If you play for this football club you’ll know how special it is.

Back seat: Muamba settled down afterwards to watch his Bolton team-mates take on Spurs

Bolton manager Owen Coyle said Muamba's return had been uplifting.

 - Daily Mail, UK