Sam Morsy, Blackburn Rovers' new midfielder, confirmed his delight at returning to the Blackburn area and joining the club, noting that his family ties to the region and his extensive knowledge of it made the move an ideal choice for him.
The official Blackburn Rovers website quoted Morsy as saying: "I know a lot about the club, because my mother was born here, and my grandparents, uncles, aunts, and a large part of my family live here".
The 34-year-old added: "I know the area well, and I know the club and its passionate fan base, so it felt like a perfect and entirely suitable choice".
Morsy explained that he spent a large part of his childhood in the area, saying: "I used to spend time at my grandparents' house, who lived in Rishton for decades, and I also lived in the same area when I was a player for Wigan".
He continued: "I am familiar with every detail of the area and know it well, which is why I feel very excited to be here. It is a club I have faced many times and competed against in tough matches over the years".
Morsy praised Blackburn's project and manager Tony Mowbray, saying: "It is a great club with an exciting project and an outstanding manager, so I am looking forward to starting this experience".
He added: "The manager spoke brilliantly about the style of play he aspires to, his ideas and plans, the type of players he wants to sign, as well as his project to build the team".
He concluded his remarks by saying: "I am hungry for victory and ready to do whatever it takes to achieve it. It is a club I know everything about, and we are striving to give the fans a strong and distinctive team once again".