Tamir Cohen has praised the support from Bolton and Owen Coyle following the death of his father.
Trotters midfielder to play on after his father's death
Bolton midfielder Tamir Cohen has praised the support he has received from the club and manager Owen Coyle following the death of his father.
The 26-year-old Israel international is determined to play on despite admitting that it was difficult to return to England and resume his career.
Former Liverpool defender Avi Cohen passed away in December following a motorcycle accident, and Tamir admits it was a devastating blow.
But he has thanked Bolton and Coyle for helping him through a difficult period in his life.
"Owen Coyle has shown he is an exceptional human being, as well as manager, by being so understanding and telling me to return to Bolton in my own time," he told the
Daily Mail.
Philosophy
"I appreciated that and I can already feel the benefit of being back with my team-mates, training and playing again.
"Hard though it is to accept he has gone, I believe it was God's will. If there is one thing I have learned from this, it is that life is a gift and you should embrace every minute of it. That was my dad's philosophy. It is mine now."
Bolton take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday as they look to continue their impressive season so far.
Cohen admits it is difficult to think about football again, but is determined to work hard on the pitch in honour of his father.
"It has left a huge gap in our lives, and stepping on the plane at Tel Aviv to return to England was one of the toughest things I have ever had to do," he added.
"It was so emotional, leaving my family behind. But we talked it over and agreed that pursuing my career in football was what my dad wanted more than anything."
