Brittney Griner has returned to the United States after 10 months in a Russian prison.  The WNBA superstar has announced she intends to return to her home team the Phoenix Mercury to play this season. 

She was swapped for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout and returned to the U.S. on Dec. 8. After being reunited with her wife Cherelle, she was taken to the Fort Sam Houston Base in San Antonio for medical evaluation. And spent the last week working out and “healing” in an undisclosed location. 

Her agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas initially told ESPN that “There's no timeline on her return at this point. She's reintegrating into a world that has changed for her now. From a pure security standpoint, she's not going to be able to move in the world the way she did. It's not a fate that she asked for, but I think she's going to try to utilize her fame for good."

The two-time Olympic gold medalist posted an Instagram statement on Friday. This was her first public statement since her release.

BG on Instagram: “It feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so…”

Griner held hostage as Russia invades Ukraine

In February, at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport Griner was arrested just days before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Almost two weeks later Russia turned the arrest into a high-profile media event.

The popular athlete was returning for off season to play basketball in Russia. And police claimed vape canisters were found in her luggage.

Griner, 32, pleaded guilty to being in possession of a thimble-full of cannabis oil, after months of being held in Russian detention. She was sentenced to nine-years on drug-smuggling charges. 

She was sentenced August 7. And she was sent to an infamous penal colony when the appeal was denied in October.

Phoenix Mercury welcomes her back

"I appreciate the time and care to make sure I was okay and equipped with the tools for this new journey," Griner posted.

"I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person soon."

"It feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn," Griner added.

"I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help."

Griner also expressed her desire to help bring the still imprisoned, retired U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, home.

And thanked all that made her safe return possible.