Steven Jackson has admitted that he is keen to beat his former team in his first game against the St Louis Rams.
The running back voided the final year of his contract with the NFC West side during the off-season before joining the Atlanta Falcons.
The 30-year-old told reporters: "I'd be lying to say I don't want to get the win. Of course I want to get the win, but I have to come out there and just remain in the zone, in my focus and not get too up.
"When two parties go separate ways, there's always going to be somewhat of a sour taste in one or both parties's mouths, but I think this one, we handled it as professionally as possible and I can only thank the ownership for that."
Rams head coach Jeff Fisher added: "We felt like it was in the best interest of everybody involved. This way the story ends real good. You'd like to think certainly his jersey's retired back here whenever he's done. We just wish him the best. He's a class guy and was a tremendous leader in the locker room last year."
The Falcons host the Rams on Sunday.
Sian Cowper
