Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge is in the GB men's football squad

Daniel Sturridge’s London 2012 dream is alive after playing 45 minutes against Brazil yesterday

Chelsea star Daniel Sturridge is grateful to Team GB manager Stuart Pearce for giving him a chance after his illness.

The 22-year-old has recovered from viral meningitis, which had threatened to derail his Olympic dream.

“I’m very happy. It’s been a long road for me to get back and I’ve had to go through a lot of stuff over these last couple of weeks,” Sturridge said.

“Thanks to the manager for being patient and waiting for me to get fit and thanks to the Chelsea doctor for being there for me when I was going through everything.

“It’s been difficult because for two weeks I wasn’t doing anything, so to get 45 minutes under my belt was crucial and I’m happy.”