Sven Botman has revealed that the “great project” on offer combined with the pull of Premier League football were the key reasons behind his decision to join Newcastle over AC Milan.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, the Dutchman explains that it has been a life-long “dream” of his to play in the Premier League, admitting that he “really wanted” to join back in January.
The 6ft 5′ defender has also hinted at the fee Newcastle look set to pay for his services, mentioning the figure ‘€40m‘ – which equates to around £35m – when asked if he feels extra pressure after becoming the most expensive defender in the club’s history.
Botman also explain how it’s been an “insane” few days with so much going on, revealing how he’s now looking for a new house, new car and English phone number as he looks to get settled in ahead of pre-season training.
Here’s what he had to say in full when speaking to the Dutch paper:
Botman on his reasoning for joining Newcastle over AC Milan:
“Ultimately, Newcastle United’s great project, in combination with playing in the Premier League, was the deciding factor.”
“That last one has been a dream my whole life. AC Milan also gave me a good feeling, but Newcastle United felt just a little better in the end.
“I really wanted to go to Newcastle United in January, because I also heard, and that’s a cliché, I know, that a train like this doesn’t pass by very often. But the clubs couldn’t figure it out.
“And afterwards this might be better, because I can now experience a lot of preparation and I was able to say goodbye to Lille in a beautiful way. That club deserved it. Staying wasn’t a punishment for me in January either, because I knew there were two great Champions League games against Chelsea coming up. I now have that baggage too.”
Botman on a “hectic” 48 hours ahead of his official move to Tyneside:
“Hectic. Insane actually. I have earned my Airmiles again.
“My transfer from SC Heerenveen to Lille was a nice step, but you can tell from everything that this is a mega deal.
“A lot is coming at me. Although that is partly my own fault, because I want everything, from house to car and from bank account to English phone number, to be arranged before the training sessions start.”
Botman when asked about the €40m price tag:
“No. And I don’t want to think about that at all. This is how the football world has developed and how the transfer market works at the moment.
“I cannot help that. And hopefully I’m still that sober boy from Badhoevedorp.
“That €40m does indicate how much Newcastle United wanted me. That gives confidence and it is now up to me to repay that.”
