Jake Reeves was delighted to have made his return in claret and amber, following the Bantams' final Leasing.com Trophy Northern Group F fixture against Rochdale.
Reeves - making his first City appearance in almost two years - was given the captain's armband as he completed over an hour, before being replaced by Chris Taylor.
The midfielder spoke of his pride in being back out on the field again, having missed 22 months through injury.
Reeves said: "It was a massive relief to finally get back out there.
"Injuries are unfortunately part and parcel of football and are not pleasant, in the slightest.
"I obviously had a very bad one, particularly when you consider I had never really been injured before.
"To be able to prove to myself that I can overcome the kinds of things I have is huge, for me.
"I am just really pleased to have finally done it. The Rochdale game was a very proud, special moment, for me and my family.
"I got a great reception from our supporters, which I really appreciate.
"It was a really nice touch from Gary (Bowyer) to give me the armband, which I did not really expect!
"It just shows the faith the gaffer has in me, which makes me very happy.
"Since he has come in, he has given me the time to get my body right and to have led the boys out - in my first game back - was a massive honour.
"It has obviously been a long and frustrating road for everyone involved with the club, including me and my family, but I am over the moon to be back."
Now back fit again, Reeves insists he cannot wait to be back playing on a regular basis, in front of the City faithful.
The 26-year-old already had experience of playing in front of the masses of Bantams supporters - prior to his injury - and is looking forward to picking up where he left off.
"For me, personally, the fitness feels good. But, at this point, it is all about getting as many minutes in as possible," the former AFC Wimbledon man added.
"We have a lot of characters in the building, this season, and I cannot wait to be playing again regularly, in this team, in front of these crowds.
"We had a lot of characters when I first joined the club and it this is a great dressing room to be a part of, as well.
"At a club like Bradford City, it is important to have a lot of personality within the team, especially when playing in front of up to 20,000 supporters.
"Mentally, to be out for as long as I have been, it is tough, but it is a part of the game.
"To be a footballer, you have to be mentally tough and, if you are not, then you should not really be playing.
"Ultimately, at a club like this, you will be playing in front of big crowds so need to be up for that.
"I have been in training for a while - with the team - and have been doing a lot of work with the physios, so my fitness is getting there.
"I played 45 minutes in a friendly against Huddersfield Town, last week, and obviously an hour against Rochdale, so am heading in the right direction.
"It is up to the gaffer, at the end of the day. I am probably not 100 per-cent match fit, but am feeling good and if he wants to select me, then he will.
"Obviously, the lads are doing well at the moment. I am just desperate to help the club move in the right direction and, hopefully, get promoted."