Zeli Ismail: "It Feels Really Good to Be Back"

Walsall winger Zeli Ismail, who recently returned to the club on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell during the first-half of the 2017/18 campaign, has spoken to the local press and admitted that he's happy to be back with the club.

The 24-year-old, who was forced to return to then-parent club Bury as they and the Saddlers couldn't agree terms on a new deal, scored three goals in twenty first-team appearances at Banks's Stadium and established himself as a fan favourite during his short time with the team.

Speaking via the Express & Star, Zeli said; "It feels really good to be back. I really enjoyed my first spell here. It was a shame I had to go back, I wanted to stay but the two clubs couldn’t agree a deal. Now I want to better the form I showed in my first spell.

"That is the target. To play well, get assists, get goals and help the team finish high up the table. It’s still early days but I’m confident we’ll have a good season."

Zeli, who is a product of Wolverhampton Wanderers youth system, admitted that the decision to return to the Saddlers was made easier when he considered his relationship with the supporters and the fact that he now lives just minutes away from training.

He continued; "The fans here have been great with me. They have given me so much support and always been so positive. They are a big reason why I am buzzing to be back. And it’s also close to home. I have always lived in Wolverhampton. But last year I travelled to Bury every day and back which was tough.

"Now I’m 12 minutes from my house. I’ve got no excuses to be late for training! And I’ve got my family around me, which I think is important. You need to surround yourself with the right people."