Brandon Williams explained his decision to hug Christian Eriksen during Norwich City's recent 3-1 defeat to Brentford was pure instinct following the Dane's ordeal.
A video clip went viral on Saturday after a comical and heart-warming moment between Williams and Eriksen, who initially looked set for an angry tussle.
Eriksen grappled with Williams in an attempt to halt a Norwich attack, and the two players fell to the floor in a pile.
Williams' reaction suggested anger as he appeared about to pin the midfielder down, but upon realising who it was he was tussling with, he instead gave Eriksen a hug – the latter's confused smile as he got up said it all about the amusing exchange.
Four days on, Norwich defender Williams has spoken publicly about his gesture, which he says came from a place of awe following Eriksen's return to the football pitch less than a year after suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at Euro 2020.
"Obviously, it was just a moment that happened, it was just instincts," Williams told Sky Sports.
"I got past him and I felt him pull me down, so we were on the attack and I was really angry.
"I was going to…hold him, but I know what he's been through, and it's incredible what he's done, and he's back now.
"It was something special for him to be on the pitch for himself, and to be involved in that, I felt like he needed a hug.
"[Eriksen's health emergency] is something that no player wants to go through, it was amazing that he's back and he's a top quality player. I'm sure he'll be back to his best very soon."