Rúben Rodrigues says the next chapter of his career is “very exciting” after completing a move from Dutch side Den Bosch to Notts County.
Rodrigues, 24, scored 12 goals and provided several assists last season in the Netherlands.
He joins County as their first venture into the transfer window so far this summer.
County, who will compete in the National League for a second season after losing the play-off final to Harrogate Town, had to beat off interest from European sides to sign Rodrigues.
The talented midfielder spoke to teams from Germany, Belgium and in the Netherlands, as well as an unnamed Premier League side.
But, after completing a deal, Rodrigues is looking forward to life in Nottingham.
“It’s very exciting,” he said. “I have always dreamed of playing in a foreign country and England is a big country to play in.
“I think with Notts County we can have a wonderful season. We want to be champions and, if we can make that possible, it will be great.”
He added: “I am a bit nervous and scared also about what if this goes well, but I am positive. I have a lot of support from friends and family and I have a good feeling about this.”
Rodrigues, who is able to perform in the centre of the pitch or as an out-and-out forward, described himself as an athletic, ball-playing midfielder.
“I look to have the ball by my feet,” he told Platform. “I like to have the wingers running forward or I like to play in combination with the striker.
“I always try to look forward. I’m also an aggressive defender.”
The honest midfielder – who played down his performances last season, saying “on the internet, it says I had ten assists but I only had seven” – completed his move to England in just a few days after County showed interest.
His agent received a call on August 3 and five days later he was visiting Nottingham, his new home.
Rúben Rodrigues has spent most of his playing career in the Netherlands; however, after a discussion over Zoom with manager Neal Ardley, he knew he wanted to join Notts County.
The midfielder said: “I’m a feelings person, that’s very important for me. I did a Zoom call with the coach and Jason and it was good.
“The feeling was there and we had a good conversation. That was the reason I came, as well as the history and the stadium – it’s very big.”
When asked what he knows about English football, he said: “I watch a lot of [English football] as I have Fox Sports so every Saturday and Sunday that’s all I watch.
“I support Manchester City because of how they play, it’s nice to watch.
“Everybody says the football is very tough with big defenders and strong guys, but what I like most about Notts County is they like to build up.
“They try to search for the midfielders rather than doing long balls, which is a big part of English football.”
By Matt Lee
Photo: Notts County FC