A 17-year wait is finally over for Danny Welbeck.
For the first time in his career, the 34-year-old striker hit double figures for Premier League goals in a single season with his penalty in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Wolves.
Shining for Brighton in the twilight of his career, Welbeck’s latest contribution helped ensure the Seagulls remain firmly in the fight to secure European football with just two games remaining.
“It is a good milestone to have – and I feel like it could have been more,” said Welbeck, who scored on his Premier League debut for Manchester United as a 17-year-old in November 2008.
“I’m looking forward to improving. We have two more games left and hopefully I’ll get some more [goals].”
Much of the former Manchester United, Arsenal and Watford player’s career has been disrupted by persistent injury issues, at least prior to his arrival on the south coast.
But he has now made as many as 29 appearances in three consecutive Premier League seasons for the first time in his career, helping him to at last score 10 goals in a campaign.
He is one goal away from matching his most productive season across all competitions, scoring 12 times for Manchester United in 2011-12.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said: “First of all I need to thank the medical department that Danny is on the pitch. Danny has never had so many minutes for us as he has had in this season.
“Danny is a special character, an unbelievable role model for everyone, especially the younger players, both on the pitch and on the side.
“On top of that, he is a great goalscorer. I am really happy for him that he has this record.”
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