Jadon Sancho marked his return to Borussia Dortmund with one hand and says his goal is to “be happy again” after his loan from Manchester United.
Sancho came off the bench in the second half of the 3-0 Bundesliga win over Darmstadt on Saturday to set up Marco Reus for Dortmund’s second goal (77), just two days after ending his exile at Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old had previously left Dortmund for United in the summer of 2021 but has only made three appearances for Erik ten Hag’s side this season after blending in with the Dutchman.
Despite the lack of playing time, Sancho seemed to feel at home in his first competitive appearance since August 2023, when Dortmund picked up their first win in league matches after a three-week winter break.
His assist gave Dortmund a 2-0 lead after Julian Brandt opened the scoring in the first half (24) and the visitors added the third in stoppage time thanks to Youssoufa Moukoko (90-2).
After the game, Sancho said he hoped his return to Germany would allow him to rediscover his love for football.
“Since I’ve been back I’ve felt at home and I’m pleased to be back on the pitch,” he said.
“I had intended to come back and see Marco again. He is a wonderful friend of mine and I am pleased to have set his goal. “
“[My goal is] to be satisfied again, to get back on the pitch and the team, get them back into the top three and qualify for the Champions League.
“I’ve got personal goals which I’m not going to say for now. I just want to help the team and I’m very positive about the second half of the season.
“We kept a blank slate, which was very important, and we controlled that game after game. The team has goals and I’m sure we’ll achieve them if we fight in each and every game. “
The win moved Dortmund into fifth place in the Bundesliga table, three behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig and 15 behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen. Darmstadt remains at the bottom of the table.
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