Sonko: My heart was set on Pompey
Ibrahima Sonko insists he has 'followed his heart' after becoming Steve Cotterill's first Pompey signing.
The 29-year-old this week completed a season-long loan move from Stoke to bolster the Blues' understrength squad.
Bristol City, where Sonko's former manager Steve Coppell is now at the helm, also approached the powerful defender.
But it was Fratton Park which was his preference – much to Cotterill's relief.
Sonko has endured a frustrating time of late, making just 10 starts in his two years at Stoke.
Last term he made just nine appearances during a season-long loan at Hull – four of which came after October.
Now he has landed on the south coast after receiving special dispensation from the Football League.
And he is convinced it is a move which can re-ignite his career.
He said: 'Obviously I was very flattered by Steve Coppell's interest, but in the end I just followed my heart.
'This is a great opportunity for me at Portsmouth and I've been made to feel very welcome by Steve Cotterill and all of his team.
'It's great to be focusing on my football again.
'This is a very exciting time for me and I can't wait for the new season to begin.
'I see this as a fresh start and I want to make the most of it.
'I respect the interest the manager has shown in me and the good things he's said about me.
'And I want to reciprocate that out on the pitch.'
Sonko will make his debut tomorrow against Fulham – an occasion which is also Linvoy Primus' testimonial.
Failure to be register him in time prevented the defender from turning out against Bournemouth on Wenesday night.
However, he is expected to be available for tomorrow's match.
Pompey's squad will also be boosted by the return of Prince Boateng, John Utaka and Kanu.
All three returned to training this week having been given additional time off after the World Cup.
Aaron Mokoena is also expected to come back this weekend, although not in time to feature against Fulham.
Meanwhile, Andrew Andronikou is continuing to pursue Greek internationals Giourkas Seitaridis and Veggelis Mantzios.
The Panathinaikos duo have attracted the administrator's attention and are available for transfer.
So far, moves to give them John Utaka in exchange have yet to come off.
Seitaridis – who has 70 international caps -–is also known not to be keen to make a Fratton Park switch.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
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