'It feels good to be back in France' - Bakary Kone

Jordan Ayew of Ghana is challenged by Bakary Kone of Burkina Faso during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals 3&4 match playoff between Burkina Faso and Ghana at the Port Gentil in Gabon on 04 February 2017 ©Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Monday Aug 28, 2017. 12:30

After joining French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg from Spain's Malaga, Burkina Faso defender Bakary Kone says it feels good to return to France.

Kone has made a quick return to France on a season-long loan deal after making seven appearances for Malaga.

Having helped Guingamp and Olympique Lyon to win the French Cup in 2009 and and 2012, the 29-year-old will hope to make a vital contribution for the 2017 Ligue 1 champions.

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The Burkinabe has previously lifted the French Cup in 2009 with Guingamp as well as in 2012 with Lyon. He has played 89 matches in Ligue 1 with six goals for Lyon between 2011 and 2016.

"It feels good to return to France and I'm ready to give everything to defend the colours of Strasbourg," Kone told the club's official twitter account.

Strasbourg manager, Thierry Laurey has also expressed delight in signing the player as he will want to make an impact with the 2017 French Ligue 2 champions.

"We've been searching for an experienced and dynamic defender like this for a while, so I'm pleased with Kone's arrival," Laurey said.

Kone is expected to join his new club after Burkina Faso's back-to-back 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Senegal next month.

He has made 62 appearances for his country and has featured in five consecutive CAF African Cup of Nations tournaments in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017.