Swindon Town's newest signing has talked about what it means to be given the opportunity to return to football. 

The club announced that Williams Kokolo, who had been training with the Robins for two weeks, had signed a short-term deal until January.

The defender, formerly of Sunderland, Middlesborough and Burton Albion has been out for more than a year for off-field reasons. 

READ MORE: Swindon Town sign former Middlesbrough star Williams Kokolo

The 23-year-old faced three counts of rape, but maintained his innocence and in June this year, he was cleared of all charges in a trial by a unanimous jury verdict.

After this he was released by Burton Albion and has been a free agent up until now. 

The new Reds player has said it was "very good to be" at the club following the announcement of his signing on Saturday morning. 

Kokolo talked about knowing town defender Fraser Blake Tracy from his time at Burton, and how the Swindon player had welcomed him. 

"He told me it's a good club, a family club, so don't worry, I'm here for you," the defender said. 

He added that the reception from the team in general during his two-week trial had been good. 

"I was surprised because everyone was good with me, everyone said 'don't worry you're going to make it, take your time',"Kokolo said.

When asked how Swindon coach Flynn had been with him, he said: "Honestly, I would like to say thank you to him because he has given me the opportunity to play again.

"I would like to say thank you to him and to the chairman again."

When news of Kokolo's trial at Swindon broke, some fans reacted negatively because of the accusations.

This Is Wiltshire: Williams Kokolo has signed for Swindon TownWilliams Kokolo has signed for Swindon Town (Image: Swindon Town Football Club.)

But in an interview on the topic, Swindon manager Michael Flynn defended him by saying he'd been acquitted and that his own reputation was on the line. 

You can read the full statement from Flynn here: Michael Flynn on Williams Kokolo

Now the young player is keen to put the past behind him and is looking forward to getting his career back on track. 

He said: "The first [goal] is to get back and see how I feel on the pitch and try to play every game."

When asked if he was looking forward to being a regular starter at the club, he added: "I just want to play football. I just want to be back and enjoy playing."