Canberra, July 5 (TIWN) An Australian student released by North Korea broke his silence on Friday, expressing gratitude for the support he has received and saying he was looking to go back to normal life.

"I just want everyone to know I am okay, and to thank them for their concern for my wellbeing and their support for my family over the past week," the Australian Broadcasting Corporation quoted Sigley as saying in a statement on Friday.   

"I'm very happy to be back with my wife, Yuka, and to have spoken with my family in Perth to reassure them I'm well. I intend now to return to normal life but wanted to first publicly thank everyone who worked to ensure I was safe and well," he said.