Nigerian international Sam Sodje returned from an operation which delayed the start to his campaign this season to dorn the Blue shirts of English sea side club Portsmouth FC in the English League One.

Even though the adventure ended in relegation of Pompey, on a personal front it enhanced the profile of the hard as nails defender as he rarely put a foot wrong in the games he played for Pompey since returning to league action in January.

Speaking to allnigeriasoccer.com, the former Charlton and Notts County defender revealed that he enjoyed his time at Pompey and that the former Premiership club would have escaped a third straight relegation if not for the 10 points deduction from the FA because of financial issues.

"I joined Portsmouth on a short term deal in January just to regain fitness.  I had an operation late last year to correct an injury that had bugged me down for sometime and made me refuse some serious offers after my deal at Notts County ended.

''I had to refuse the offers because my conscience couldn't let me sign for a club when I knew I was injured because even if I passed the medical examination, sooner or later the truth would come out.

"After the doctors cleared me to play again I joined Pompey who by then were deep in relegation waters.

''I played about 15 games and got rave reviews after each and every game and the fans, press and team management all loved me,'' Sodje said to allnigeriasoccer.com.

''Unfortunately, Pompey's financial woes are well documented and it told on the club.

''Aside from the 10 points deduction, the club could not afford to keep their experienced stars or even buy new ones so they used a relatively very young but talented squad but unfortunately we were relegated.

''Already I have offers from many teams who were only waiting to see if I could regain full fitness and maintain good form and I proved that at Pompey.

''I am a player with a big heart and every time I play a game for my club or country I make an impression.

''I'm glad to be back playing and believe that I shall be back on the big stage where I truly belong", concluded the dark skinned Warri born defender.