Daniel James says he had a sense of deja vu after he finally sealed his move to Leeds United on deadline day.
The Wales star famously had the plug pulled on his move to Elland Road back in January 2019, with Swansea City refusing to sanction his move north.
It meant that James eventually signed for Manchester United six months later.
Now, two years down the line, James is a Leeds player after signing a five-year deal for a fee of £25million.
James says the last few days have been a "whirlwind" for him, such is the speed in which the move came about.
The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford hastened James' departure.
"It feels great to get it over the line and I can now move forward," James said in an interview with Sky Sports News.
"It’s been a whirlwind for me, it’s been a crazy time but I’m here now. I’m grateful for the club for being interested in me and believing in me, which is proven by what they did two and a half years ago. I’m happy to be here now and playing in front of these fans."
James says he's known about Leeds' interest all along, dating back to his Swansea days and said there was a deja vu feeling when he arrived at Elland Road after the events of 2019.
Now, he says, he can't wait to play for his new club - starting with Liverpool on September 12.
READ MORE: Where Daniel James' Leeds United move from Man Utd ranks in club's all-time transfers
"There’s always been interest since I nearly signed from Swansea," James continued.
"There wasn’t much going on, it happened very quickly and this is where I want to be moving forward. It feels brilliant. We made a couple of jokes in the boardroom that it’s actually done now. Last time, I signed everything but it fell through at the last minute.
"Everything I’ve done today feels like deja vu, it feels like yesterday and everything has just gone so quick. I’m delighted that it’s over the line now and will go on international break now and looking forward to getting back for that first game against Liverpool."
He also explained why it was time for him to leave Old Trafford after two years under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
"Don’t get me wrong, I had an unbelievable time [at Manchester United], I made good friends and had a good bond with the fans," he said.
"But, I feel it’s time to move on and I’m looking forward to it. I’d say I’m a different player [since signing for Man Utd two years ago], I only played half a season when I nearly signed here last term.
"I’ve got more games under my belt at the top level and I’d like to think I can add something else here."
