Emotions high as Fabrice Muamba greets fans at the Reebok Stadium

Fabrice Muamba waved to supporters as he returned to the Reebok Stadium for the first time since his cardiac arrest tonight.

The Bolton midfielder entered the field to a standing ovation as he was introduced ahead of Wanderers' Barclays Premier League game against Tottenham.

The 24-year-old has made a remarkable recovery since collapsing during the FA Cup tie between the same two teams at White Hart Lane on March 17.

The former England Under-21 international was followed by a TV camera as he acknowledged the applause of fans while his fiancee Shauna Magunda took photographs.

Muamba arrived at the ground about an hour before kick-off and stopped to speak to TV reporters.

He told Sky Sports: "I wish I was playing today, obviously my circumstances are not helping at the moment but I'm sure the boys will go out and give their best today."

Muamba then went to take a seat to watch what was a vital match for Bolton in their battle against relegation.

Muamba's heart stopped beating for 78 minutes following his collapse and he spent a month at the London Chest Hospital before being discharged on April 16.

The speed of his recovery has 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.

Muamba added on Sky Sports: "This is a special place, the support has been overwhelming and I am just grateful for that.

"I am okay, I am getting stronger every day. I am happy to be back I am just happy to be able to speak to people again and walk freely.

"I am very happy and very excited for today's game and I am happy that I came today."

Asked about the support he has received since his cardiac arrest, Muamba added: "It helps me every single day. I still have six or seven boxes of cards to go through and I am grateful for that. It stays in my mind every single day.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank your for your support, the whole country has been overwhelming and I am grateful I can walk again and do things normally again."