Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney has finally spoken out on his eight-month ban from football.In his first public interview since learning of the suspension, which includes even not being able to train with his Brentford teammates until September, Toney believes missing out on representing his country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup is worse than his lengthy ban.Brentford striker Ivan Toney suspended for eight monthsSpeaking to Kick Game UK about the timing of his charges and ban, Toney said: “If they want to do it that way, I call it a bit spiteful but it is what it is and you just have to get on with it.”The biggest punishment, even though I miss eight months of football, that was the biggest punishment to miss out on a World Cup – everyone’s dream – it is bigger than missing eight months of football. I believe in myself and hopefully I will be at the next one.”Toney thinks he impressed the England coach with his ten-minute debutThe 27-year-old forward also warned Premier League defenders he will be “a different animal” when he makes his return in January next year.Toney recounted the aftermath of his social media post following the announcement of his ban, where he said he would “speak soon with no filter”.”As soon as I put that (tweet) obviously everyone went crazy and this and that,” he told Kick Game UK.##NAJAVA_MECA_7312019##”But I actually got a message from my Mum and you know when your Mum says something you have to listen. She said to me just remember cream always rises, worry about yourself, do what you want to do and do what you think is best. She messaged while I have been away and said listen I’ve been sick, feeling ill blah blah.”Everyone is going crazy, your name is all on the news. I was like Mum, don’t worry I know. I know what I am capable of and I know what I can do. If you say it’s going to ‘damage my reputation’ what I say then so be it,” concluded he.
