Vancouver Whitecaps’ MLS star Johnny Russell was back at Pride Park as Derby County drew 0-0 with Nottingham Forest in Monday’s Championship clash.
Johnny Russell might never have been the most prolific or technical of attackers but he left Derby County with his head held high and the fans very much on his side.
But after falling out of favour at Pride Park, Russell bid farewell in January 2018. According to the Derby Telegraph, the former Dundee United man moved to Vancouver Whitecaps for a cut-price £250,000, five years after he arrived in the East Midlands.
And despite an impressive debut season in the MLS, which resulted in 10 goals and nine assists, Russell admits that he is still missing life in Derby colours.
“I do miss it here, but it’s a decision that I felt that had to make at the time,” Russell told Rams TV, admitting that he is struggling with the huge travel that accompanies life in the North American football league.
“It’s worked out for me, but I miss the Derby County boys here as well. I’m a bit homesick at times, but it’s been a great experience, something I’ve had to adapt to and I feel I’ve done that well.”
Russell was spotted back at Pride Park on Monday as his former Derby side were held to a 0-0 draw by Midland rivals Nottingham Forest, keeping their place in fourth in the Championship table as a result.
And a number of Derby fans have taken to Twitter, pointing out that they’d be more than happy to see Russell return on a short-term loan deal while the MLS is on a break until the spring.
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