Brighton & Hove Albion striker Florin Andone insists that the club’s eagerness to bring him to the Seagulls was one of the main factors in his decision to join the side.
The Romanian arrived from Deportivo La Coruna at the end of May, becoming the club’s second first team signing of the summer transfer window, and the 25-year-old revealed that Albion’s sustained interest attracted him to the Amex Stadium.
He said, “It [Premier League] is the biggest league in the world and the club were trying to sign me in previous transfer windows.
"Being so insistent, trying so hard, that was the biggest reason for coming, seeing that from the manager and the club.
"It was really close last summer, but it wasn't just about me, it was about Deportivo getting another striker.
“That didn’t happen so neither did the move, it happened again in the winter but because we were in a tough position (in La Liga) the chairman wouldn't allow me to leave – but now I’m here and I'm ready to get started.”
Andone joined his former club in the summer of 2016 from fellow Spanish side FC Cordoba - he made 69 appearances across all competitions in the two seasons that followed, scoring 18 goals.
He notched 12 times in his first season and managed eight goals last year, but the side ended their 2017-18 campaign with relegation to the second tier in Spain – something Albion’s newest striker reflected on honestly.
"It was tough to leave, because I loved the club.
"I had a good connection with the fans. I wish we had stayed up so that I left the club in La Liga. I feel sorry about that.
"But I was clear in my mind that I want to play at the highest level possible and Brighton are in the best league in the world."
The 2018-19 campaign will be the forward’s first outside of Spain as a professional, and he also looked ahead to what he hopes will be a successful first campaign in England.
"I don't like to talk about targets in terms of goals, to put that pressure on myself. My main aim is to play as many games as possible and to help the team.
"My main strengths are my speed and running in behind, and I'm a hard worker for the team."