Regular followers of Kent Sports News will know that we’ve been following the career of Gillingham youngster Luis Binks who has played in both major league soccer and Italy’s Serie A and Serie B in the past couple of years. 

We caught up with Luis after learning that he had literally returned home and been sent to Coventry, after signing for the sky blues in the summer.

“I’m buzzing to be back in England and to sign for a club like Coventry,” he told us.

“Coventry are a massive club with a massive fanbase so to be given the opportunity to come here and further my development is great for me even though I’m only here on loan from Bologna.

“I heard of the interest a bit before I signed so instantly got excited about the thought of playing for a Championship side and in England, but I think I’ve learnt in football at quite a young age interest isn’t always good as many things happen until you actually get to sign, but the day I actually did sign and get it done I was over the moon.” 

Reflecting on his time in north America and then in Italy, we asked Luis about his memories, good and bad, he said, “It’s been a great development for me at a young age living away from my comfort zone and playing in different cultures and environments.” 

“My highs would probably be my two debuts for different reasons. My Montreal debut as it was my first taste and step into professional football and for Thierry (Henry) to have given me my first game is something I’m proud of as he’s obviously someone I and many others respect in football.

“Also, my debut in Serie A for Bologna as you always grow up as a kid wanting to play in the best leagues around the world and Serie A is definitely one of them. Also playing against AC Milan was a highlight for me as it’s a club I’ve always grown up admiring because of the stadium, the red and black kit, Maldini, Ronaldinho, Ibrahimovic and Beckham.” 

“Of course, there has been lows like when Covid hit and I was in Montreal for nine months without seeing my family and naturally I started to question whether that was the right move for me, but who was to know that after a few weeks of moving I would be stuck across the other side of the world for months on end.” 

“The club seems great and its support. I didn’t know really what to expect the first time seeing the CBS arena and the fans, but the atmosphere was brilliant and made it very special. The fans have been brilliant every time I’ve come across them saying nice things and just painting the club in a great light so hopefully this year it’ll be a good one to give back to the fans for all their support.” 

“Mark Robbins is obviously very well respected for what he has done as a player and a manager, since the day I signed he’s been really good with me, giving me bits of advice, but so have all the staff and coaches and it has a real family club feel about it.”  
 
“I’m really looking forward to going to away grounds such as Elland Road, King Power, St Mary’s are ones to look forward to as they’re massive clubs just dropped down but also the Stadium of light, Portman Road and The Den, stand out to me. The Den because I know quite a few Millwall fans from home and we played there in the youth cup growing up and went through so I have a little memory there.” 

Finally, we reflected on Gillingham’s great start to the season and Luis admitted.

“I am very excited for this season, the club seem to have made a good few signings with youthful players but also experience in Malone, Williams, Bonne so that’ll defiantly help as they know what it takes to get up the leagues.

“I went to Sutton a few weeks ago and the fans seem very excited for the season and to take around 1500 fans away midweek is brilliant and shows how far Gillingham have come in a few months and there seems to be a real good buzz about the Gills.”