Joe Allen says he feels like he's 'coming back home' after completing a stunning return to Swansea City.
As first revealed by WalesOnline back in May, Allen was a prime target for Swans boss Russell Martin during this transfer window and, after several twists and turns, the recent departure of Flynn Downes ultimately helped pave the way for the 32-year-old's stunning return,
The news has been met with widespread delight by the Jack Army, who will undoubtedly be giddy with excitement at the prospect of seeing the Wales international pull on a Swans shirt for the first time in little over ten years.
READ MORE: Joe Allen completes dream Swansea City homecoming as star signs two-year deal
Allen had a number of offers on the table from clubs both in the UK and abroad, after making the decision to bring the curtain down on a six-year stint at Stoke City earlier in the summer, but admits the chance to return to his boyhood club was simply too good to turn down.
Speaking to the club's official website in his first interview since his return, Allen said: “With my contract running out people were aware that there might be a chance to speak to me this summer and see if I was interested.
“As soon as they (Swansea) showed an interest and came to the table, it was certainly one of the ones that went right to the top and I was keen as mustard to pursue it.
“There has been a lot of back and forth to try and work things out, what the club would need, the ins and outs and all that stuff and I’ve been waiting in the wings.
“I finally got the call to say they had the green light and it was going to go ahead, so I was straight down the road to get it sorted.
“It feels like I’m coming back home. I think any way I look at it all the signs are there that it’s going to be a great match.
“It’s a club I’ve got history with, I came through the system, the football that we’re playing, and the group we’ve got here.
“From a personal point of view all my family and friends are as excited as I am that I’m coming home and I think it’s got all the makings to be a real success.
“I can’t wait to get going now.”
Allen's first spell at the club saw him notch up 150 appearances for the Swans before Liverpool eventually came calling, with his emergence through the ranks in SA1 coinciding with the formative years of the fabled 'Swansea Way'.
The midfielder, who's also gearing up for the first World Cup of his career later this year, was a favourite under the likes of Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers, and believes there are parallels between the style of play back then and the philosophy of new boss Martin.
“I’ve been hugely impressed by Russell and he’s been a huge part of the reason why I’ve wanted to come back,” he said.
“His methods, how much he wants to play on the front foot, his style of play as everyone knows and how brave he wants his team to be is everything you want as a player and what you want to be a part of.
“I’m really excited to get stuck into it.”
Swansea enjoyed something of a transitional campaign under Martin last season, although there were real promising signs of progress at times, including a historic South Wales Derby double over bitter rivals Cardiff City.
Improving on last season's 15th place finish will likely be a key ambition for the new campaign, but Allen has clearly set his sights much higher.
“I’m sure, like every player in that dressing room, the ambition is to get back to the Premier League,” he said.
“I’m sure if you ask so many of the Championship clubs, managers and players they’d give you the same answer and it’s a hugely competitive league but that’s certainly my ambition.
“I think the target for us is to hit the ground running at the start of the season, try and build a bit of momentum and just see how far that takes us.”
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