Must Read: What Derby County players did to help secure Ebou Adams transfer.

Ebou Adams has claimed that he stayed in constant communication with his Derby County colleagues during the summer while everyone waited for the midfielder’s permanent return to Pride Park. Adams has signed a three-year contract with the Rams after agreeing on a fee with Cardiff City for his services following a successful loan stay last season.

Adams’ return has been eagerly anticipated by club supporters since the end of last season. The players, who had been away on vacation, have now regrouped and traveled to Spain for the club’s warm-weather pre-season training camp.

They’ve been joined by Adams, who has expressed his delight at being back in a Derby shirt and cannot wait to get started. After embracing his teammates, many of whom drowned him in hugs as they exited the swimming pool, Adams disclosed in an interview with the club’s channel that all sides had communicated over the summer as they pursued the agreement.

“It’s good to be back and to see them smiling,” Adams told me. “It’s a good group of guys. They’ve been in touch this summer, and I’ve been contacting them as well. It’s not only about football; they’re also pals. I’ve spoken with them a lot, and it’s great that they did.

“I get on with everyone here. Just seeing everyone brings a massive smile to my face, the staff too. It’s good that every one of them welcomed me back with open arms. It’s good to know, outside of football, I’ve made a positive mark on them. Just to see them smile…I hope my smile is contagious!”

Adams has also been taken aback by the social media campaign of supporters, who have demanded his return and unveiling for some time now. Adams made a mightily positive impression in his 17 loan games, during which time he scored the winner against Blackpool over the Easter weekend.

“It has been impossible not to follow! Every day, one of the Derby fans would tag me, and I was thinking the same thing: when is it going to happen? We’re here now, so we can all relax and breathe,” he said.

“The goal is to improve on previous season and continue to perform as consistently as I have because I am familiar with the level. It’ll be difficult, but we have to appreciate the moment. They’re back where they should be, so let’s see what we can do. It’s nice to be back.”