MIDFIELDER Gael Bigirimana returns to the Sky Blues on loan with one mission – to banish the memory of tasting relegation with his ‘home-town’ club three years ago.
The 22-year-old has re-joined the Sky Blues on a short term loan move from Newcastle after leaving for the Premier League in July 2012.
‘Bigi’, as he is more affectionately known to supporters, has been linked with a move back to the Ricoh Arena for several months.
The Burundi-born player came through the club’s academy and made his full debut against Leicester City in the Championship at the start of the 2011/12.
Bigirimana went on to make 28 appearances for the Sky Blues and he could not hide his delight after moving back to the club he calls home.
“I’m so pleased to be back and to play for my home club,” Birigmana explained.
“I call it my home club because it is where I grew up and started my career. My home club contract wise is Newcastle but Coventry always has a special place in my heart.
“The club are doing great so it’s a great bonus for me to come while confidence is high.
“My target is to get games and add whatever the manager needs me to add into the team. We have to continue winning games and by the time January comes, I want us to still be first or second – still in a good position. Then we’ll see my future from there.
“But one thing I want to put right is that the club was relegated when I was here, so it would be a dream come true part of a team that takes the club back where they belong.”
Bigirimana’s time away from the Sky Blues has not gone quite to plan for the hard-working midfielder.
A dream move to Newcastle for an undisclosed fee saw him make just 13 appearances for the Magpies and more recently he spent a short time on loan at Scottish Championship side Rangers.
But dspite his lack of first team football in recent years, the Burundi international feels he is returning a better player than when he left.
“It’s been a difficult last two seasons as I haven’t played much,” Bigirimana added. “But I believe I left Coventry as a boy and am coming back as a man.
“I feel like I’ve learned so much, my move has been worth it and can’t wait to show the City fans the player that I’ve become.
“You learn a lot by not being in the situation but outside of the situation.
WI need games and match fitness but in my head when I was younger with Coventry I used to use more of my energy to run around but now I’m more experienced in my head. I manage games better, of course I want to put a shift in but I know when to move and when not to a lot more now.
“I’m so excited to be here, I’m back home and I want to give my all.”
The move was once again masterminded by City boss Tony Mowbray who continues to make use of his football contacts, this time in the shape of former England boss Steve McClaren once again.
“I’m looking forward to working with Gael and I’m sure he’ll add a valuable option to our midfield,” Mowbray added.
“We’re coming into a busy period in the season so it is important we don’t get caught short with injuries and suspensions, and Gael will help us with that.
“A lot of people at the club have only had good things to say about Gael and I’m sure he is looking forward to coming back and making a positive impression on us.”
