Johnny Russell Returns to Dundee United
Johnny Russell has returned to Dundee United, the club where his professional career began. After spending eight years in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake, the 35-year-old striker, who has been capped 14 times for Scotland, has signed a contract with Dundee United until the end of the current season.
Russell revealed that he had not considered leaving his life in America until Dundee United expressed interest in bringing him back.
"To be honest I had no interest in coming back, no intentions to come back, I was happy out there," said 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 began his professional career at Dundee United, making his debut in 2007. During his initial spell at the club, he scored 46 goals in 120 appearances before transferring to Derby County.
He made a brief appearance as a substitute in Dundee United's 2-1 victory over St Mirren on Tuesday, marking his first game since 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," Russell added. "I don't want to come back and sour the reputation 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 don't quite have certain aspects of your game that you had before but I feel like I am a more all-round player.
"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 don't really feel like I have got a point to prove but you still want to show people you can still cut it with the younger guys. I have still got the same desire and fire."
Upcoming Match and Ambitions
Russell is expected to seek more playing time when Dundee United face Falkirk in the Scottish Cup on Friday. Although he was part of Dundee United's squad during their last Scottish Cup victory in 2010, he did not participate in the campaign as he was on loan to Raith Rovers at the time.
"You are obviously disappointed yourself that you don't fully feel a part of it but to get to see all your team-mates, all your friends be a part of that and get to celebrate and the fans celebrate it as well, that is probably the most special memory," Russell reflected on his first spell at the club.
"You just get caught up in the whole atmosphere. It was incredible."
With a semi-final place at stake in the upcoming match, Russell emphasized the challenge ahead.
"You are only a few games away from possibly lifting silverware but it is still a long road. You can't look past Falkirk, who have been one of the better sides this season.
"We know how difficult it is going to be but we went there recently and got a result, we have to have that belief.
"For me, to get to the national stadium is a big ambition, it is a big drive. We are one game away and in one-off games, who knows what can happen? That is the dream, you want to get yourself back there and give yourself an opportunity to be fighting for another trophy."
