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12 September 2015 Last updated at 12:39 BST
The world's most experienced space flier was also joined by two crewmates, including Denmark's first-ever astronaut.
Andreas Mogensen of the European Space Agency and Aidyn Aimbetov both spent less than 10 days in orbit.
The three spacemen made their parachute landing in central Kazakhstan after leaving the International Space Station (ISS) at 9.39pm on Friday.
Mogensen said the crew had had "a fantastic mission" at the ISS, whose nine members represented five different nationalities at the time.
"This is a superb example of what can be achieved together when we work together across borders and boundaries," he added.
Pictures from NASA TV.

The American company replaced Reebok as the kit supplier for all Wales international teams in 2008.
Whereas the original Under Armour contract was worth roughly £2.5m a year, the new deal will see the annual fee rise to around £3.7m.
This renewal will be the first major deal overseen by new WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips.
His predecessor, Roger Lewis, stepped down after Wales' exit from the 2015 World Cup having held the role since 2006.
It was announced in September that Wales' home ground, the Millennium Stadium, will be renamed the Principality Stadium in a 10-year sponsorship deal beginning in January 2016.
Under Armour's other high-profile clients include Tottenham Hotspur, American football player Tom Brady and golfer Jordan Spieth.

Cuadrilla's plans for fracking at its Preston New Road site at Little Plumpton were approved in October.
The firm says it will put Lancashire first for creating jobs, new skills, investment, and community initiatives.
Opponents said they were surprised by the news since a legal challenge to the government's decision is outstanding.
Preston New Road Action Group issued formal legal proceedings at the High Court in November.
Cuadrilla said an "independently audited tracker" will monitor its pledges to Lancashire.
Chief executive Francis Egan said the shale gas industry would be good for the county's economy.
"We expect that in the exploration phase alone we will spend in the order of Â£50m - clearly all of that will not go to Lancashire... but we would hope that up to half of that money could get spent in Lancashire," he said.
The firm also said Bolton-based civil engineering firm AE Yates Ltd has been awarded the site's Â£1.5m building contract.
Work is expected to start early next year, Cuadrilla said.
Record-breaking Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka has returned safely to Earth after spending 879 days in orbit.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
The Welsh Rugby Union is set to agree a new nine-year contract with kit manufacturer Under Armour worth £33m.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
The company behind the UK's first horizontal fracking operation has announced six "commitments" which it claims will ensure Lancashire benefits.