Sarah Mayling says she "can’t wait to get started" as she prepares to begin a second stint in claret and blue.
The 24-year-old rejoins Aston Villa Women having spent the past four-and-a-half seasons at Birmingham City.
Mayling operates up and down the right-hand side and recently received the Players’ Player of the Season award at City.
Upon returning to Villa, the former England youth international couldn’t be happier.
“It feels great. I’m really excited to be here,” said a gleaming Mayling.
“I left a few years ago to follow my dream of being a professional footballer.
“I didn’t think I’d ever be back. To be back here a few years later with the Club in the position it’s in, and the ambitions as high as they are, I can only say it’s a dream come true for me.”
Despite a fairytale return to her childhood club, Mayling’s feet are firmly on the ground as she sets her sights on an improved campaign for both herself and the rest of the squad.
“The experiences I’ve had, highs and lows, have made me a better person and ultimately a better player,” she admitted.
“Hopefully I can take those experiences and bring them back here to help the team achieve good things this season.
“I want to achieve the highest things in the game.
“I know I’ve got a lot to improve on and I feel like here is the best place for me to do that.”
Mayling couldn’t contain her enthusiasm when looking ahead to the start of pre-season and 2021/22 as a whole, admitting it feels like she’s "coming home".
“I’m excited. I’m a Villa fan. I feel like I’m coming home," she added.
“I grew up at this Club. It will take a while to sink in, but my heart’s at this Club and I can’t wait to get started.”