Aston Villa ace Jonathan Kodjia is hoping his team can produce a “special” season ahead of the forthcoming Championship campaign.
The 27-year-old, who moved to the Midlands from Bristol City last summer, struck 19 goals in his debut season at Villa Park.
Despite his goal threat and performances up front, Villa failed to earn promotion to the Premier League and instead they had to settle for a poor bottom half finish.
The new Championship season will begin at the start of August and Steve Bruce’s side are one of the favourites to win the title.
Ivory Coast international Kodjia was pleased to contribute to the team last term but he now outlined his ambitions for next season.
“I have been happy with my form for Aston Villa,” Kodjia told the club’s official website. “I would have obviously wanted the 20-goal milestone but I still feel it was a good season for me.
“I look forward to getting over my injury and being involved again as soon as possible. All of us Villans want a good season next time. I think it could be a special season. I certainly hope so.
“This is a very nice football club – it has good history, good facilities, good spirit.
“I enjoy coming in every day. It’s a very easy relationship with the players, with the gaffer, with the coaches – I enjoy it here. It is a big club too.”
During the penultimate match of the 2016/17 Championship season, Kodjia injured his ankle during the 1-0 defeat against relegated Blackburn Rovers.
As a result, he will be racing against time to be fit for the first match of the new campaign, with the fixtures set to be announced this Wednesday.
On the opening day of last season, Villa suffered a 1-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday with Roberto Di Matteo in the dugout at that time.
This time, the Midlands club will be looking to put that right and get off to the best possible start by claiming all three points.