The last time Mitchell Johnson was picked up by Mumbai Indians, it revived his international career. Now, retired from international cricket the 35-year-old is back to Mumbai Indians and he is all set for his second stint with the team.

Speaking exclusively to mumbaiindians.com, Johnson claimed that he was glad to be back. “There are a few old faces here, Rayudu, Bumrah and Rohit and some really good players here I get along with. There are some good international players and some very good local players too.” Having had his first stint in the nets ahead of another big IPL season, he was all praises for the support staff and the players, “The guys here train hard. The support staff really put in (a lot of hard work). I am looking forward to a good fun season, really excited to be back and picked up again.”

Even after retiring from international cricket, Mitchell Johnson hasn’t lose his mojo. He was in sizzling form towards the end of the previous Big Bash League season and when asked about his secret behind hitting fine form at the business end, the pacer said, “You got to be at your best at the right time.” Playing warm-up games helped him and emphasises on his experience, adding, “I had that experience of playing in big moments and that came out.”

The left-arm pacer is focussed on his fitness! He doesn’t like comparisons with others and rates himself as a competitive cricketer. He was honest enough to admit his surprise at his purchase. “Even when I played in Big Bash earlier in the year, I didn’t think I would be playing in the first XI.” He adds that his attitude towards the game is changing but loves playing the shortest format. The former Australian quick opines, “Playing T20 cricket is more fun, you still got pressure! As an international player, there is pressure on us. For me, it’s just going out there and having a bit of fun.” He thinks when you’re being away from the game isn’t easy. “You have to keep yourself up in that shape and I just do that to be as healthy as I can.”

Mitchell Johnson is joined by many exciting players in the Mumbai Indians squad. The pace battery has been reinforced and Johnson seemed quite upbeat about it. “It’s unbelievable! The players and the reputation (of the squad), I think, I might not be in the playing XI. That’s the beauty of this squad, you have options.” He also believes that Mumbai Indians have the players who can play according to different conditions and can adapt themselves. Johnson is proud to be a part of a team that has such a strong pace attack. “It’s unbelievable to have that kind of fire-power and I don’t think any other team has it. It’s really exciting!” Johnson has a plethora of experience and the good thing is that everyone will back each other in the squad.

Mitch has missed Mumbai and the team in more ways than one. “I reckon it’s the crowd (I’ve missed) and the fans we have at the ground. It’s electrifying!” He rates the Wankhede crowd highly and knows how loud they can get. It definitely keeps him going. “It’s one of the best places to play cricket around the world. It’s definitely in the top 5 places to play T20 cricket.”

Mitchell Johnson expressed his gratitude to the Mumbai Indians fans for supporting him and the side over the years. He also believes he is lucky to be a part of Mumbai Indians once again, “Thank you very much to the Mumbai Indians fans, they have been amazing, they have cheered very loud and have always been supportive, even at the airport. On social media too, we have had all their support. I had the opportunity to play against Sachin and also with him here in Mumbai.”