Stephen Henderson never got a proper chance to say goodbye when he left Pompey in 2012.
He was shipped out to West Ham – initially on loan – as the Blues struggled to keep their heads above water.
But now the keeper is back, after agreeing a loan switch from Nottingham Forest for the remainder of the season.
And despite only previously spending a relatively short space of time on the south coast, the 29-year-old feels he is coming home.
Henderson said: “It’s good to finally be back. It’s been on the cards in the past and so I’m delighted to actually be here.
“I got a call in the morning and was on the motorway down to Portsmouth as soon as I got the green light.
"I’m looking to pick up where I left off and perform in front of the best fans that – to this day – I’ve ever played under."
“My time here before was very short – that was out of my hands as everybody knows. I never really got settled after that.
“The club needed money back then and told me I was sold, but I’m back now, so it’s happy days.
“I’m looking to pick up where I left off and perform in front of the best supporters that – to this day – I’ve ever played under.
“I’ve always kept an eye on Pompey. There’s a good manager and good players, so with this fan-base the only way is up.”
Henderson will now compete with Luck McGee for a place between the sticks at Fratton Park.
He said: “I need to earn my place first and foremost. I’m not coming here and thinking I’m going to walk straight in.
“But I’ll give it my all and am looking forward to working with (goalkeeping coach) John Keeley again, as well as the other keepers.”