Gambiaj.com – (DERBY COUNTY, United Kingdom ) – Gambian international midfielder Ebou Adams has candidly shared how he “forgot” his footballing prowess before his transformative loan spell at Derby County last season. After missing the entire 2022-23 season due to injuries, Adams struggled to find his form at Cardiff City, playing just 13 games in 18 months. However, his move to Pride Park rejuvenated his career, leading to a permanent deal with the Rams on Wednesday.

Adams, 28, became a pivotal player under Derby manager Paul Warne, helping the team secure automatic promotion to the Championship. Reflecting on his loan move, Adams expressed his gratitude to Warne and recalled how he rediscovered his passion for the sport.

“I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed playing football,” Adams said. “I’m grateful to the gaffer for bringing me in,” Adams told BBC Sports.

Adams’ journey has been challenging. He joined Cardiff City from Forest Green in May 2022, under the management of Steve Morison. Unfortunately, a tendon tear and knee injury sidelined him for 12 months. The instability of Cardiff’s management, with three managerial changes during his recovery, further hindered his ability to secure a spot in the team upon his return to fitness last season.

By the time he moved to Derby County on loan, Adams admitted he was struggling with everyday aspects of his profession.

“I remember the first game at Charlton, I woke up that day and I’d forgotten how to prepare for a game because it had been a year-and-a-half of me forgetting how to prepare for a game normally,” he shared in an interview with BBC Radio Derby during the Rams’ pre-season training camp in Spain. “It just came as a shock to me. Honestly, I don’t know how I got through the day. It was crazy.”

As he started to play more regularly, Adams quickly found his rhythm. “Then I started to play more regularly and I realised that ‘oh my gosh, I forgot that I was good at football’.”

Adams’ talent and impact were soon evident to Derby fans, who passionately chanted “sign him up” after the Rams clinched promotion with a final-day victory against Carlisle.

“That day was beautiful,” Adams reminisced. “To get that love from the crowd, the fans, and not just them but the staff and players, showed that maybe this is where I should be.”

With a permanent deal now in place, Adams is set to continue his footballing journey with Derby County, eager to contribute to their success in the Championship.