Joe Willock has insisted there was only one destination in his mind after deciding to leave Arsenal this summer.
The midfielder became a Newcastle United player last week ending a summer of uncertainty around his future, completing a £25million move to return to St James' Park.
Willock installed himself as an immediate fans' favourite with a string of impressing performances, with his goal-scoring exploits leaving him on the cusp of beating Alan Shearer's record of netting in seven consecutive matches for Newcastle.
The 21-year-old has only featured for 30 minutes during pre-season with Arsenal and will therefore need time to return to full match sharpness.
However, Willock insists he is raring to go and is hopeful to feature for the Magpies on Saturday away at Aston Villa.
"I had the option of staying or looking at other avenues to further my career," Willock told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"Coming back to Newcastle was always at the top of my list so when I decided to leave Arsenal, there was only one place I was going to go and that's Newcastle.
"I didn't really have a lot of games in pre-season, I only played 30 to 40 minutes in pre-season. I feel like, for me, I want to put the shirt back on and give my all for Newcastle United.
"Whether it's this weekend or the following week, I feel like there will be a time where I need to step up and go on the pitch. I'd like to play this weekend so hopefully, I'll get my opportunity whether it's from the bench or the start."
