Sergi Canos had a strong sense seven years ago that Brentford were ready for lift-off. And bar a short stint with Norwich the Spanish winger has been there every step of the way for the Bees’ transformation from mid-table Championship side to a Premier League force.
Canos, 25, initially arrived on a year’s loan from Liverpool, and after a miserable six-month stint with the Canaries couldn’t get back fast enough when offered the chance.
Rico Henry, who arrived on a permanent deal in 2016, is the only rival for ‘longest-serving’ in the dressing room. And Canos said: “The club has been a big part of my life. The year on loan back in 2015-16 was one of the most important of my career so far.
“And everything has changed since 2015. Everything. The stadium, the league we are in, at the training ground, the mentality in training, how we approach games…
“When I first came I was a young boy and there was some transition at the club, we were not on a clear path forward.
“But everything has been lifted, and is just better – that is years of work at all levels, from the board to the players, the coaching staff, the chefs…everyone.
“There were low points for me before being here as a Premier League player. Probably the worst and most difficult were the six months at Norwich.
“But Brentford kept believing in me and brought me back. I am always thankful for that.
“I live around here, and enjoy being part of the community. The identity of the club is everything.
“A lot more people come up to me in the street now, before I could go walking with my family without anyone saying anything. My family likes it, they enjoy seeing me being uncomfortable!
“The other day I was in the small Sainsbury’s and a man came up with his two kids, but he was happier and more excited than his kids.
“And he told me thanks for helping lift Brentford, not just the football but the community. And of course that makes you very happy.”
His strong bond with the club and the community made him a natural frontman for a new initiative promoting cardiac health among the under 35s in west London.
Brentford tragically lost technical director Rob Rowan aged just 28 four years ago to a cardiomyopathy episode. And since then Christian Eriksen, who survived a cardiac arrest at the 2021 Euros, has played for the club keeping the issue in the spotlight.
The Bees have partnered with charities in the field hoping to raise awareness, promote heart screening and save lives.
Canos said: “I enjoyed learning how to do CPR properly – it is important to know these things, and why we are doing it. Trying to make sure someone is okay and stays alive until help comes.
“When I first came here Rob was here and he was a very big part of Brentford. And he still is, because thanks to him we have this initiative.
“Then when Christian was here, he explained to the players everything that happened to him.
“Because of him the players here know a lot more about it. He didn’t talk too much on the issue, but enough to know what he was feeling.
“If you know what you need to, then you can get on with playing football.
“As a young footballer it worries me a bit, because I now know the rate of such things is higher than I expected.
“We sometimes assume this is only relevant for people in their 50s and 60s, and that aspect of the rates among younger people can be quite shocking.
“It is important for all of us to have heart screening, it is better to know things sooner than later.
“I will pass on what I have learned to all the boys in training because if someone collapses and there is no one from the medical team around, then it’s on us until they arrive.”
Meanwhile back on the field Canos admits that Ivan Toney’s team-mates, having been delighted to see him get a first England call-up for the recent matches against Italy and Germany, were disappointed he did not get any minutes and a chance to shine.
It was the last camp before the World Cup in Qatar, and Toney forced his way in with some superb performances in the Premier League.
But Canos believes Toney will have impressed in training with the Three Lions – and will do the same in the remaining league games before the final squad is selected.
He added: “We were all happy for Ivan getting called up by England – and then sad that he didn’t come on in those two games. England had two tough games and were preparing for the World Cup.
“The fact that he was there in the last squad though is still amazing and all positive. And he will come back and play many games for England, I have no doubt of that.
“He had the training to impress Gareth Southgate and I am sure he did that. And I am sure he will keep impressing him with his performances in the coming weeks.”
