Mikey Johnston insists there are a whole host of reasons why he decided to return to West Bromwich Albion and says it “feels right” to be at the club once again.
The exciting attacker became an instant hit at The Hawthorns after signing on loan from Celtic in February, scoring seven times and delivering several dazzling displays out on the left wing in the second half of the 2023/24 Sky Bet Championship campaign.
Johnston joined the Baggies permanently from the Scottish champions on Friday, signing a contract which run until the summer of 2028.
The Republic of Ireland international revealed his relationships with team-mates, Carlos Corberán and the club’s supporters were all huge factors in his thinking, as was the ability to play with “freedom” in the navy blue and white stripes of Albion.
He said: “It feels right that I’m here. I’m really happy to be here.
“I was driving down the M6 and I couldn’t stop smiling. I’m buzzing to be here.
“From day one, I got off to a really good start and the fans took to me and I took to them right away. I felt the love the whole time I was here last year and I’m just buzzing to be back.
“This move was definitely something I always wanted to happen. I didn’t think it would be possible. I thought the only way it would be possible was if we won promotion. Now that I’m back, it feels a bit surreal.
“I’ve kept in contact with everyone and I’ve got a lot of friends here now. That was another big reason why I came back.
“I went on holiday with Swifty over the summer and we’ve both got the same hair now. We had a great time in the summer and as I’ve said, it was a big reason why I came back.
“All the boys played a key role, though, as did the manager. I think we gelled right away, as soon as I got here last year. The fans are a big reason why I came back too.
“There were so many reasons why I wanted to come back here. I really loved my time here and I want to emulate that and have a great time again.”
Mikey added: “I would say being at Albion helped reignite my career. In the past I’ve found myself in and out and I’ve also had a lot of injuries. I’ve managed to get over that and come here and play consistent football and enjoy myself. It was a no-brainer for me.
“Obviously just getting to the play-offs was a big achievement last season. That was the goal from day one. I said I wanted to come in and hit the ground running and help the club get into the play-offs. Of course, there were a couple of nice moments and nice goals and it’s always great to have those moments.
“There were so many great moments last season it’s hard to choose just one as my favourite.
“I think my game massively improved under Carlos. Tactically, defensively, decision-making. They’re just a few. There are so many things I improved last year and as soon I got the call off Carlos and I knew the move was possible, it was something I wanted to do.
“I haven’t set myself any targets. I want to play with freedom, the same way I did last year. Everything else will take care of itself.
“I’m really excited to rekindle the relationship I formed with the fans. I’ve always been someone who wants to get the fans up out of their seats. Hopefully I can be the player to do that again.
“Leaving Celtic was obviously hard. It’s the club I’ve loved since I was a youngster. The fact the fans took to me so well last year will make the transition so easy.”
