Boubacar Kamara says he is delighted to be back in Aston Villa colours after marking his long-awaited return from injury with a goal in Tuesday's 3-1 pre-season victory over BG Pathum United.
The French midfielder made his first-team comeback as a second-half substitute in Bangkok after spending almost seven months on the sidelines with a knee injury sustained in January.
Now wearing Villa's No.8 shirt, Kamara wasted little time making an impact, finding the net just a minute after coming off the bench to cap an encouraging return.
Kamara reflects on emotional comeback
The 26-year-old admitted the moment had been a long time coming after months of rehabilitation.
"It feels good to be back," Kamara told VillaTV.
"I've waited for this moment.
"I've worked hard during my rehab, for coming back stronger, so I'm happy to be here."
His return represents another significant boost for Unai Emery ahead of the new Premier League campaign, with Kamara expected to play a key role in Villa's midfield once fully match fit.
Goal provides confidence boost
Kamara's comeback could hardly have gone much better.
After BG Pathum only partially cleared Ian Maatsen's low cross, George Hemmings teed up the midfielder, who calmly swept the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.
"I didn't expect to score, it's good," Kamara said.
"It's good for the head. This goal will give me more confidence and I need to keep going."
The strike completed another positive outing for Villa, who followed up their victory over the Indonesia All Stars with a second successive 3-1 pre-season win.
Villa preparing for Bayern Munich test
Attention now turns to the final leg of Aston Villa's pre-season tour of Asia, with Bayern Munich awaiting in Hong Kong.
Kamara believes the challenging conditions in Asia will ultimately benefit the squad when they return to England.
"It's very hot, it's difficult to breathe. The humidity is hard," he explained.
"But it's good, it's good for the body.
"So when we come back to England, we'll feel better."
The demanding climate has provided Emery's players with a stern physical test as preparations continue for the 2026/27 campaign.
Key points
- Boubacar Kamara made his first Aston Villa appearance since January.
- The midfielder scored just one minute after coming off the bench against BG Pathum United.
- Kamara says months of rehabilitation have made his return especially rewarding.
- Aston Villa have won back-to-back pre-season matches in Asia.
- Unai Emery's side next face Bayern Munich in Hong Kong.
What comes next?
Villa will conclude their tour with a high-profile friendly against Bayern Munich, where Kamara could be handed further minutes as he continues building match fitness.
Following his successful comeback, Emery will be hoping the midfielder can now enjoy an uninterrupted pre-season ahead of the Premier League opener.
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