Reading fan favourite Shane Long has spoken for the first time since his return to the club, 11 years after leaving.

Arriving in 2005, the Republic of Ireland international played more than 200 times in six years with the club before joining West Brom in 2011.

READ MORE: Shane Long returns to Reading FC after decade in Premier League

Spending the last eight years with Southampton in the Premier League, the 35-year-old rejoined the Royals on Wednesday, signining a one-year contract.

Met with hysteria from supporters up and down the country, the excitement of the return is mutual.

Speaking to the club media, he said: "It’s been 11 years now. I have fond memories of the club after they gave me my first chance of football in England. I’m delighted to get the opportunity to come back. The club has come on leaps and bounds since I left and I’m excited about what the future holds.

"My wife is from Reading so I have lots of friends and family in the area. They keep me updated with all the rumours and gossip that had been going around over the last three or four transfer windows, but it’s always been ambition to come back.

READ MORE: Iconic Reading FC manager on upcoming season and Long return

"To get the chance to do so, at the age I am, is a real privilege and one I’m going to grasp with both hands. It’s funny when you see all these rumours popping about but its nice as I’m still remembered by the fans so I must’ve done something right.

"It’s a club I’ve got fond memories of. My mum is a Reading fan. She’s never worn a different kit, even though she supported me she’s only worn a Reading jacket, so I’m sure she’s just as delighted as I am."

A star with more than 80 caps for his country and over a decade of Premier League experience, there was an element of good forutne regrding the return after the Saints opted against renewing the striker's contract.

 

Reading Chronicle:

 

This made it possible for a return, with the Royals under a transfer embargo and limited to only free transfers and loan deals.

"There’s always been rumours linking me back with the club," he claimed. "With the embargo going on, it limits the club to who they can buy. I came on to the market and I got my agent to get in touch because I live in the area and would love to play for this club again. The club were excited to do the deal as well, so I think everyone was happy in the end."