Mendez-Laing: “Derby Ticks All The Right Boxes For Me”

Winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing admitted the lure of a rebuild project at Pride Park Stadium was a massive reason for him joining Derby County.

The 30-year-old signed for the Rams on a two-year contract and became the latest name to commit his future to the football club.

Mendez-Laing, who joins Derby following the conclusion of his contract with Sheffield Wednesday, believes the move ticks all the right boxes for him and is looking forward to getting started at his new home.

Here are some of the main talking points from his first interview as a Derby County player with RamsTV.

On Signing For Derby…

I’m buzzing to get it over the line. I think it’s been in the shadows for a while now and I’m glad the club has got its situation sorted so I could finally get it done. I’ve played against Derby many times in my career. I’ve had a chat with Liam Rosenior and the way he wants to do things. It’s a massive club and it’s a project that I want to be a part of.

On Being Part Of The Rebuild…

That’s a massive reason for me joining. I didn’t want to be part of something where they, as a club, aren’t playing for much or I’m just there to take part. I want to be part of the journey this club is about to go on.

There has been interest from elsewhere but I think once I heard of Derby’s interest, it was something I wanted to keep in touch with. I don’t live far from here and I feel very settled. I’ve not been in the building long but I already feel settled and it’s something I really wanted to do.

On His First Impressions Of The Club…

It ticks all the right boxes for me. It’s the first time I’ve seen the training ground and it’s probably the best training ground I’ve been to. The facilities are unreal. It’s a massive club and it shouldn’t be where it is but we are here and I’m excited to be part of the project. Hopefully we can build on it and get the club back to where it needs to be. It’s a great place to be and I just want to get going now. I’ve seen players go back to pre-season training and I’ve been doing my own thing but I just want to get going now and I can’t wait for the season ahead.

On What He Can Bring To The Squad…

I’m very direct, pacey and I like to chip in with goals and assists. I’m very quick and I’m a team player. I will give my all for the team, work hard and do whatever is required from the manager. I will try to build a good foundation for us all.