Maxime Colin jumped at the chance to join Brentford for the prospect of regular first-team football that he would not be guaranteed at Anderlecht.
The Frenchman completed his move to Griffin Park two weeks ago, in the wake of Moses Odubajo's sale to Hull, and could make his home debut against Reading tomorrow.
And he revealed the way the club made him feel important was a key factor in moving to England.
He explained: “The (Anderlecht) coach had changed the system and the coach told me he wanted me to stay and I'd maybe play 20 games.
“We had three right backs so it'd be difficult to play a lot of games. My manager talked to me about Brentford and I felt they wanted me.
“When you arrive at a club it's good to feel important. I came here to see the people and talk with them about the project.
“It's a club that wants to grow up like me. It's a choice. I chose to leave Anderlecht and I'm happy for that.”
Colin described himself as a hungry player who has the stamina to cope with the physical nature of the Championship and, much like former Brentford captain Tony Craig, prides himself on clean sheets.
He added: “I can play a lot of games in a season. Touching wood, I avoid injuries. I run a lot and I defend well.
“I try to make no mistakes when we have a goal against; I want to make sure it's not my mistake. I want to keep clean sheets for the team but I also want to get forward and assist the team to win.
“I know the game is physical but that's the basis of my game. I trust my body and hope this will help me a lot during the season. I can run a lot and hope to bring power to the team.”
Colin used to play alongside Ipswich winger Kevin Bru and the Frenchman spoke to the Tractor Boy about English football and was sold on the club by one of the Bees' rivals, who were also beaten play-off semi finalists last season.
He explained: “I know the Ipswich goalscorer (against Brentford), Kevin Bru. I played with him when I was 17, playing second division football in France.
“He said Brentford is a good team and they finished fifth to Ipswich's sixth. I know it's a good league.”
Colin could make his home debut against Reading tomorrow and he is expecting a tough encounter against a side who underperformed last season.
The Frenchman added: “I hear Reading like to stay behind the ball and then go fast in the second half. Maybe they will play like this.
“I think all the teams are really strong so I know no game will be easy. I think it'll be a difficult game.
“I hope we can find a solution to make it easier. We'll have to be focused on set-pieces because the solution is in this. We need to be focused in this and find solutions to score.”
Colin, naturally, wants to be in the starting XI and, once established, wants to be an ever-present for the team.
He added: “I want to play as many games as possible and play consistently well. I want to give assists if it's possible and get goals.
“I've scored goals in previous seasons. I need to trust in myself and know I can score or give some assists to bring the win to my team. If we win 2-0 and we keep a clean sheet then the team gains trust.”
Away from the game, Colin is a movie fan and is also keen to go out and explore London.
He explained: “I like watching films and series – not horror films but others I enjoy. I don't know London at the moment and everyone says London is wonderful. I signed here for four years and I won't do everything at the beginning.”
