Sone targets some silverware after supporters give him a warm welcome back
Pittodrie return has been just fantastic, says Aluko
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Sone Aluko has been surprised by the warm reception he has received from Aberdeen fans and is determined to surpass the Red Army’s lofty expectations.
The former Birmingham City attacker rejoined the Dons on transfer deadline day this week on a three-year deal following an impressive loan spell last term.
Dons supporters believe the England under-19 international can help the team push on after a steady start to the campaign. Aluko is a firm favourite among the Pittodrie faithful, which the 19-year-old discovered before he even set foot in the Granite City.
He said: “I did not realise what the supporters’ reaction was to me coming back until Wednesday.
“I was not even in Aberdeen when it hit me. I was driving up and stopped at a petrol station in Perth where someone came up to me, saying they were delighted I was back and wishing me all the best.
“I saw some of the newspapers in the city and it was an amazing feeling. It means a great deal to me. It is nice to feel wanted and, although it means there is added pressure on me, I am sure I can handle the responsibility.
“Expectations are part of the game and, hopefully, I can thrive. I think I can surpass those expectations because I can improve on last year.”
Aluko paid tribute to Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood for the role he played in bringing him back to Pittodrie. The attacker also insisted the Dons can look forward to a successful season.
He said: “The manager was a massive influence on me coming back. I have a great relationship with him.
“He really looked after me when I came here last season and then he spoke to me a lot through the summer.
“It is great for a player to have that kind of manager. We do not always see eye to eye but I have a lot of respect for him. The squad looks more balanced, it feels more compact and there is greater competition for places.
“Last season we had some amazing highs — I will never forget the European run — but I think we can do better this year domestically. Third place has to be a goal and we want to get to a final and have the chance to lift a trophy.”
