Peter Crouch admits big regrets over quitting Portsmouth first time round.
The England striker told The News: "I love it here, I really do. I genuinely love playing for Portsmouth. The first time I was here I won player of the year and scored a lot of goals and ended up at Aston Villa - that was the start of me playing in the Premier League.
"I have a lot to thank the club for. I was disappointed to leave really, I was happy. At the end of the day, a lot of money was bid for me from Aston Villa and with the club not in good financial shape I think it worked for both parties.
"But ideally I should have stayed longer. When I went to Villa I wasn't quite ready. At that stage I was only 20, and although I wouldn't say I still had some growing to do, I certainly did within myself and in terms of becoming a better player.
"Maybe it was a touch early for me because I was certainly happy here, I loved scoring goals and just enjoyed playing. Perhaps it put my career back a bit.
"I moved to a big club and wasn't sure if I was quite ready for it. It wasn't until I was 23 when I started playing my best football really, and I got into the England squad at 24-25.
"I remember Harry was the manager then and he said 'I've just got a big offer from Aston Villa and basically, in no uncertain terms, you should go'. Obviously, I wanted to play in the Premier League, while the club needed the money.
"Harry then went on and built a side that got promotion and has stayed there ever since. To be honest, I didn't want to leave in the first place, so I'm glad to be back."