Johnny Russell admits he had given no thought to leaving his life in America till former membership Dundee United got here calling, explaining it was “maybe the only place that would have brought me back”.
After eight years enjoying within the MLS with Sporting Kansas City and latterly Real Salt Lake, the 35-year-old striker, capped 14 instances for Scotland, has returned to Tannadice on a deal till the top of the season.
“To be honest I had no interest in coming back, no intentions to come back, I was happy out there,” mentioned Russell.
“My life was there but there was just something about coming back here just felt right. I feel like this is maybe the only place that would have brought me back and we will see what happens if it goes well.”
Russell started his profession at United, making his debut in 2007, happening to rating 46 objectives in 120 video games earlier than a transfer to Derby County.
He made a late cameo in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over St Mirren, having final performed in October.
“I wouldn’t have come back if I didn’t feel I have something to offer or if I felt my legs were going,” added Russell.
“I don’t want to come back and sour the reptation that I have had. I know people will be going ‘look at the age of him, he is just here to chill out’, I am not about that.
“Maybe you do not fairly have sure points of your recreation that you simply had earlier than however I really feel like I’m a extra all-round participant.
“When I was here the first time I probably relied on speed, whereas I feel like I have fully adapted my game. I still feel like I am quick, I feel powerful, I don’t feel like my legs are going and I feel like I am a more mature and intelligent player.
“I do not actually really feel like I’ve acquired a degree to show however you continue to need to present individuals you possibly can nonetheless reduce it with the youthful guys. I’ve nonetheless acquired the identical want and hearth.”
