FABIAN De Freitas still has to remind himself that Wanderers’ incredible play-off comeback against Reading actually happened!

Exactly 25 years ago, Bruce Rioch’s Bolton came back from 2-0 down to beat the Royals 4-3 in one of the most exciting games every played at Wembley.

The Surinam-born, former Dutch Under-21 international, who now lives in Belgium and works in property, scored an 88th minute equaliser to force the game into extra time and then added the fourth goal to all-but assure the Whites victory.

But De Freitas admits it is only when he sees the highlights of the game that he can actually remember the sights and sounds of the magical day.

“I can watch those goals back and the feelings return,” he told The Bolton News. “I think when I happened I was happy because we had won a game, I never realised what it would mean for the club or that 25 years later we would still be talking about my goals.

“I am happy that fans can still remember the result, especially right now when we all need something to smile about.

“It was the best time of my football career, I am sure of that, and it was a great team to play for.”

De Freitas, who was signed for £400,000 from FC Volendam, spent another year with Wanderers in the Premier League before moving to Spain with Osasuna.

He returned to England with West Brom and then finished his career in Holland with Cambuur, Den Bosch and NEC Nijmegen.

De Freitas says the introduction to English football at Burnden was an experience he will never forget.

“English football is so different,” he said. “It has changed a little over the years but it is still more about passion and fight. In Europe the tactics, the possession, the technical side are what people see – but playing for Bolton the fans wanted to see tackles and energy.

“They loved it when tempers flared, and they certainly did at Bolton.

“It was a great time and when I was moving house recently I found my play-off winner’s medal in a box and it all came back to me.

“I hope fans and the club do well in the future.”