Newcastle United new boy Jeff Hendrick has revealed that he was flattered by interest from AC Milan this summer - but was eager to sign for the Magpies the moment he knew the offer was real.
Steve Bruce had the former Burnley midfielder watched several times last season and made the swoop at the end of his deal with the Clarets.
Hendrick has firmed up the attention from the former Champions League but says he is now looking forward to the challenge ahead at St James' Park.
Hendrick, speaking at his first Press conference as a Newcastle player today, said: "It was a really nice feeling to know they were interested - it’s given me a confidence boost.
"But Newcastle is a massive club in Premier League history and there’s a real demand from the fans."
Hendrick will have to wait for his Premier League debut in front of the Toon faithful at a packed St James' Park, but was excited nonetheless.
Hendrick added: "I'm delighted.
"It's a massive club, I love to play at the stadium here and I've been dying to get going.
"I had a great four years at Burnley, I really enjoyed it, but I wanted a new challenge and want to play in the middle, which is where I see myself."
During a Zoom conference, Hendrick told journalists he had spoken to Newcastle defender Ciaran Clark about the possibility of signing for United.
But he tapped into the knowledge of a close friend who is a big Toon fan too.
Hendrick said: "One of my close mates supports Newcastle so I know a lot about them.
"There's been some great games up here over the years.
"We don't know when the ground will be back to full capacity but it'll be a nice feeling when that comes."
The 28-year-old former Derby County man enters an intense battle for places in the United engine room with Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Matty Longstaff and Henri Saivet all trying to use pre-season as a stage to impress Steve Bruce.
When asked what his best position was, Hendrick said: "I've said I'll play on whichever position I'm needed but I feel like I can kick on playing in the middle.
"That's what I want to do.
"This is why I wanted to come here."
Hendrick's move took some time to complete with the Dublin-born star missing part of pre-season due to the complex nature of his move.
But he insists he had been keeping fit and revealed: "I got myself a ball and cones and have been going down to the local park.
"I’ve done a lot of road running to keep myself ticking over.
"It’s been strange and different but I wanted to be fit for when I signed with a new club."
