Jordon Ibe is convinced he has ‘unfinished business’ at Derby County after joining the club for the second time in his career.
The winger, who was a free agent, has joined the Rams on a two-year contract after four years in the Premier League with AFC Bournemouth.
Ibe, who is 24, impressed in loan spell from Liverpool in the first half of the 2014/15 campaign whilst he was still a teenager.
His impressive form saw him return to Anfield following 24 appearances and five goals in a Derby shirt and he quickly became a fans’ favourite.
After sealing a permanent switch to Pride Park Stadium, the lively wideman has described himself as ‘hungry’ to get down to work.
“It feels terrific to return, I have unfinished business here,” Ibe told RamsTV. “The fans were so welcoming the last time I was here and I enjoyed playing at Pride Park.
“I remember the fans here; they were like a twelfth man on the pitch for home games and the atmosphere was amazing. I also remember some of the goals I got too.
“I feel like this, coming to Derby, was the best choice for me. I had a great six months here before and I thought it was the best place to come.”
He added: “I am hungry to get on the pitch and get involved in my first training session, as it has been a while.
“I feel I am a more improved player than when I was here previously and with the coaches, the staff and the manager I will be able to get even better.”
Ibe joins Derby after not playing a competitive game for almost a year, owing to both a lack of first-team opportunities at Bournemouth and the knock-on effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He made four appearances for the Cherries last term, with his last outing coming on 25th September 2019.
As a result, Ibe will need time to build up his fitness and sharpness before being ready for first-team selection.
The former England Under-21 international admits the tough moments he has faced in recent years have been a learning curve - and he is keen to get his head down and focus on his football.
He said: “There have been a lot of ups and downs, some off the pitch, in the last few years.
“It has been a learning curve for me. I just want to knuckle down and just do the best I can and give my all for the team.
“It is a new chapter for me now.”
Ibe has almost 200 career appearances to his name, the vast majority of which have been at the highest level of English football with Liverpool and AFC Bournemouth.
