Sven Botman has given his version of events after his transfer from Lille proved to be one of the biggest dramas of the summer window.
For months AC Milan were claiming victory in the chase for the Dutchman but he has now insisted that his £34million move to the Premier League boiled down just one choice - and that proved to be Newcastle United. The 22-year-old also says that he would have been open to a switch to St James' Park last January but Lille were not prepared to sell while they remained in European contention.
Botman could only sit back and watch the speculation from Italy unfold but after finally being declared a Newcastle player he is simply looking forward to what lies ahead. Speaking from Newcastle's mini tour of Europe, Botman said: "I read a lot in the newspaper that said ‘where is he going, Newcastle or Milan?’ When I was in the season with Lille, I was just playing and thinking it will come later. In the meantime, the clubs discussed with Lille as well and after the season, I just wanted Newcastle. That was the choice."
READ MORE: 'Foolish not to' - Eddie Howe on the Newcastle United transfer card he's ready to play in August
And after Newcastle initially made their move for Botman during the winter window, he reflected: "Yes, I was speaking with the club but it was not possible. I am just grateful.
"I will try to my best on the pitch. When this kind of club comes to you, you know Lille isn’t your end destination and you can make another step. It gives you confidence and that’s nice."
Botman has now had time to get to know both Eddie Howe and his backroom team plus the rest of the Newcastle squad during two tours to Austria and Portugal. He put in unflappable performances against 1860 Munich and Mainz 05 but will face up to Champions League material Benfica tonight here in Lisbon.
He said: "So far it's been nice, really good. The first few days, I was new to everything so I had to adapt a lot of things but this kind of camp has quickened up the process."
The Premier League's big kick off will soon be upon us and Botman is surely a certain starter for the opener against Nottingham Forest on August 6. After playing in Holland and France, he now gets the chance to enjoy a new challenge.
He said: “It’s my first time playing in the Premier League - I think it is the best league in the world and it’s getting stronger and stronger. Every team is getting the best players.
"Newcastle is not just a club who is playing in the Premier League and see what happens, they have a strict plan. They want to reach the top and that is something that really attracts me. I want to help Newcastle with the goals they have."
Much has been made about how quickly Saudi-backed Newcastle can reach the upper echelons of the top-flight. Their last venture into Europe actually ended against tonight's opponents Benfica in 2012.
But Botman is realistic about what comes next. The Dutch Under-21 star said: "I think it is not possible to do it one season but in steps, we will get there."
When asked where he sees Newcastle in three or four years, he replied: "I’m here at Newcastle so I hope in three or four years I am are playing in Europe with Newcastle and we are a club who people always believe can finish in the top six. A lot needs to be done by myself and the club but with time we will get there."
Botman was nicknamed "champ" by his old club Lille but will now have to adjust to the more physical environment of the Premier League.
He said: "It’s totally different here compared to Holland and France. The intensity is much quicker and the training is tougher.
"The pre-season is heavier. The coach is really good, he demands a lot from the players so the level is going higher and higher, which I think is really good.
"If you want to reach these kind of goals, you need that level. I was really surprised by certain things but things are going well. I’m just excited to see us play in the Premier League."
READ NEXT
- Bruno's ambitious double aim this season with Newcastle United and Brazil
- New partnership at St James' Park will shape future of Newcastle United
- Eddie Howe confirms who will be club captain and why
- Eddie Howe makes candid statement over Newcastle attempts to sign Hugo Ekitike
- Newcastle United must wait on Armando Broja
