Ikechi Anya has described Derby County as his number one destination and explained how he ensured the move would be finalised after completing his Transfer Deadline Day switch from Watford.
The 28-year-old Scotland international wideman flew back from the Tartan Army’s training camp to put pen to paper on a four-year contract ahead of the 11pm deadline on Wednesday evening.
In his first interview with Rams Player HD, Anya expressed his delight at becoming Derby’s third signing of the summer transfer window and reeled off a list of reasons why he wanted to become a Ram.
He said: “It’s been a hectic Transfer Deadline Day, but I am happy to be here. Things like this don’t usually happen to me and I have never used my phone so much!
“It’s reaped its rewards, though, and I am happy about that. I am going to be linking up with Scotland straight after this, but I am looking forward to joining the management and the squad for the first time next week.
“When I heard of Derby’s interest, it was my number one destination. I wanted to make this happen.
“This is a massive club. I remember when I was younger, when I used to collect football stickers, Derby were in the Premier League.
“This is a big team in this country. I have been around the training facilities a few times before to play in friendlies and it is such an impressive club.
“The history is rich too and I am delighted that this has happened.”
>Anya follows James Wilson, on a season-long loan deal, and fellow former Watford team mate Matěj Vydra in joining Derby this summer.
Aside from the latter, who he played alongside as the Hornets were promoted to the Premier League in 2015, there are a few other familiar faces in the Rams’ squad.
He said: “Matěj a great player. When I saw that he joined this club, I wish him the best of the luck, but I am glad that I am going to be seeing him again so soon.
“I know Fozzy (Craig Forsyth) from our time together at Watford as well as a few of the other Scottish guys. I am looking forward to meeting everyone properly and starting this journey together.”
Like Vydra, Anya will be aiming to make his Derby debut when the Sky Bet Championship campaign resumes with a highly-anticipated televised clash against Newcastle United at the iPro Stadium on Saturday 10 September, kick-off: 5:30pm.
The Rams’ Deadline Day recruit says the fixture is a ‘massive opportunity’ to hit the ground running to endear himself to the club’s supporters.
“It’s a great game to try and be in the starting XI for,” he said. “It’s a massive opportunity.
“Both teams are trying to get promoted, both have excellent squads and we know we are going to have to be on our top form.”