Vurnon Anita has revealed that he was approached by a number of other clubs over the summer before he chose to move to Leeds United.
The 28-year-old was revealed as Leeds’ latest signing on Thursday during the club’s official 2017/18 kit launch after they finalised talks earlier in the day.
The former Toon midfielder has signed a three-year-deal with the Championship club on a free transfer, after his Newcastle contract expired at the end of last month.
The versatile player revealed that before moving to Leeds he had attracted interest from a number of other clubs, but explained that choosing the Whites was an easy decision.
He told Leeds United TV: “During vacation time a lot of clubs approached me, also Leeds United.
“The story and the things Leeds want to do is beautiful. I played against them last season, it’s a good team, nice stadium, and the supporters are great so my decision was easy to make.”
After helping Newcastle to the top flight last season, the former Dutch international said that getting Leeds into the Premier League will be his main focus throughout his debut campaign with the club.
The former Toon told LUTV: “I want to do it [promotion], that’s my goal here.
“I want to play beautiful football and get promoted.”
The 28-year-old has shown his versatility throughout the years, as although he took the role of right-back at Newcastle, he regularly played in a midfield position during his time at Ajax.
He spoke about his versatility on the pitch and told the club’s official media: “I can play almost everywhere, I’m a midfielder player normally, but I can play in right-back, left-back so wherever the coach needs me.”
Anita spent five years at St. James’ Park and made a total of 155 appearances for the Magpies.
The most recent squad addition takes Leeds’ transfer total up to six, as the Championship club have already secured Felix Wiedwald, Mateusz Klich, Hadi Sacko, Pontus Janssen and Madger Gomes.
New boss Thomas Christiansen is keen to bolster the squad before his first season as Leeds manager in the hope of securing a top spot in the Championship in order to gain promotion.