'Best year of my life' - Sinisalo on Exeter City spell

Viljami Sinisalo applauded the Exeter City faithful after his final match of the season on Saturday

Viljami Sinisalo said his season at Exeter City has been "the best year" of his life.

The Finland goalkeeper, 22, has spent the season on loan at St James Park from Aston Villa and played 50 games.

He started all but one of Exeter's League One matches and helped the club reach the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, knocking out Premier League side Luton Town on the way.

He was named both the players' and supporters' player of the year as he won six awards at the Grecians' end-of-season awards night.

"It's been the best year of my life, the best footballing season of my life," he told BBC Radio Devon.

"It's been brilliant. I owe so much to the football club and everyone around here.

"All I can say is thank you and I love this football club and hopefully one day, I don't know when, I can return here."

Sinisalo came to the club having played just four League One games while on loan at Burton Albion for the first half of last season.

But despite his relative inexperience - he has also played for Ayr United in Scotland and Villa's academy side in the EFL Trophy - he has thrived this season.

Exeter boss Gary Caldwell has predicted he will "go on to have an incredible career" while he has won two caps for his country and was part of Finland's squad that lost to Wales in their Euro 2024 qualifier earlier this year.

"I had a tough year last year and I was probably expecting, having played four games at Burton last year, to go down a level and try and prove myself in League Two first," he said.

"When Exeter came calling, there was a real belief in me and the gaffer really wanted me here and gave me that platform to come and develop.

"I spoke to Ollie Watkins at Villa and he had only good things to say about the club.

"I've loved it. I can't speak highly enough of the football club and this place will always stay in my heart and in my memories."