The massive Conor Chaplin statement to excite Portsmouth faithful after homecoming from Ipswich Town
One of our own is back at Fratton Park after transfer deadline day drama - and he’s delivered a mouth-watering message to Blues followers.
Conor Chaplin believes Pompey are getting a player at the peak of his powers after his emotional homecoming.
And the darling of the Fratton Faithful admitted even he’s been left surprised at being back at PO4 in his prime, following his whirlwind deadline day capture from Ipswich Town.
Conor Chaplin: excited to give best version of myself to Pompey
Pompey completed arguably the Championship deal of the final day of summer trading, as they brought one of their own back home on a season-long loan deal.
Chaplin feels John Mousinho is adding a ‘very different’ player to his squad, from the one who departed for Coventry City in 2018.
But the 28-year-old is also adamant Pompey are landing an ambitious attacking addition with his career at full throttle.
He told Pompey’s official website: ‘I’m a very different footballer from what the fans saw at 21, to what I am now.
‘I feel like I’m a senior player now and more rounded player, I know what I am and I understand what I am as a player and team-mate.
‘I was conscious I wanted to come back at here at some point in my career whenever that may be. I didn’t see it being this soon, but I’m really glad it is because I feel like I’m at the best stage as a person and player that I’ve ever been.
‘I’m hugely ambitious and want to come to a team who want to fight for things and do special things that I know can be done - and is proven can be done. This is no different.
‘I was very young when I was here before and probably didn’t know what I was in terms of a footballer, what’s my super strengths, strengths and weaknesses.
‘I’m a lot more aware of that now and exactly how I can fit in certain teams, certain formations and play for certain managers.
‘That’s a big part of my decision making as well. A big part of deciding to come here was speaking to John and really believing he can get the best out of me, in a system and team which will help me thrive.
‘I really believe that, they are all things which went through my mind in the decision making process.
Chaplin reveals how Pompey return from Ipswich accelerated
Chaplin gave an insight into how quickly the opportunity to come back to Pompey accelerated, as things moved on at a pace on deadline day.
The man who was operating in the Premier League last season explained he first became of a potential Portman Road exit on Saturday, before things then developed at a hurtling rate in the final hours of the window.
Chaplin added: ‘I’m feeling really grateful and excited, it feels amazing to be back.
‘It’s been one where I was more aware than a lot of other people, I know what sounds a silly thing to say but that’s not always the case going into the game Saturday.
‘Then it was seeing what Sunday brought and then accelerating (on deadline day) even quicker and now we’re here now - it’s all worth it.
‘A lot’s different and you can see the progress from afar watching as a fan. Coming into the ground and training ground you can see the progress off the pitch and it’s really getting to a place where the club’s in a real good place.
‘It’s so good to see from when I left. I know it’s a long time since I left so you’d expect that, but it’s not always the case.
‘I’m excited to meet my team-mates and get out on the grass.
‘There’s a lot of people still here which is nice and they are the heartbeat of the club, it’s a little bit of a throwback and nostalgic. To have those relationships coming into the building will help.’