Crossword Genius

Foreign friend around to welcome Russian fighter? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

amigo

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'foreign friend' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'to welcome russian fighter?' is the wordplay.
'to' becomes 'ao' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'welcome' is an insertion indicator (in sense of 'inviting in').
'russian fighter?' becomes 'MiG' (Russian fighter plane manufacturer).
'ao' enclosing 'mig' is 'AMIGO'.

'around' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for amigo that I've seen before include "Male (Spanish?) friend" , "Friend in Spanish-speaking area" , "friend from Barcelona" , "Hispanic comrade" , "Pal from Madrid?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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