Maikel Kieftenbeld has admitted he is "looking forward" to his challenge after joining FC Emmen.

The midfielder has made the move to his homeland after his contract expired at Millwall, meaning he could make the move as a free transfer.

The 31-year-old has joined Emmen on a two-year deal with an option for another.

The former Lion has said that he enjoyed his time in England, but was honest in saying that it was his time to return to Holland.

In Emmen's announcement of the deal, Kieftenbeld said: “After seven great years in England, the time has come for me to return to the Netherlands.

“FC Emmen is a great club with ambition and I hope to be able to be important to the team with my experience here.

“I am looking forward to entering the Eredivisie with FC Emmen in a swirling stadium De Oude Meerdijk.”

Kieftenbeld made 37 league appearances for Millwall since his arrival in 2021.

FC Emmen chairman Ronald Lubbers admitted that the club had tried to sign the midfielder before he moved to Millwall from Birmingham City.

He said: “We already made an attempt to contract Maikel in the winter of 2020-2021. Unfortunately for us, 'Kieft' eventually made a nice transfer from Birmingham City to Millwall.

“Since then we have always kept in touch and are therefore happy that it has now worked out.

“With his experience, quality and role in the dressing room, Maikel will really add something.”