“Wizards of Waverly Place is where I started,” says Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez confirmed the role that “Wizards of Waverly Place” played in her career.

Selena Gomez loved starring in the Disney series

Selena Gomez will “never forget” the role “Wizards of Waverly Place” played in her career.

The 32-year-old actress played Alex Russo on the Disney Channel comedy series from 2007 to 2012, and Selena revealed that she loved being a part of the new series sequel.

She told PEOPLE: “It gave me everything I have today and I will never forget that this is where I started.”

Selena revealed that she has already “persuaded” her 11-year-old sister to watch the show as well.

The brunette beauty said: “It’s the greatest feeling in the world to be able to bring it back to you and all the people who have never seen it before.

“Including my sister. I made her watch it. I don’t think she really cared about it, but I was really happy that I could bring back the nostalgia.”

When asked how her on-screen character has evolved, Selena replied: “Personally, I think we kind of picked up where we left off and it shows a very grounded Justin and also a very grounded Alex, and you’re still curious about who they are going through, but I felt like we were back in rhythm.

Meanwhile, Selena recently compared her return to Wizards of Waverly Place to coming home.

The actress admitted that she was happy to participate in the sequel to the series.

She told The Hollywood Reporter: “I felt like I was coming home.”

Selena also loved reuniting with David Henrie – her former partner – on the new series.

She shared: “It was so funny because when I showed it to my mom she literally died laughing. He says, ‘You two still have it.’ Because I think we bring it out in each other.”