Shot-stopper for Newcastle United Nick Pope acknowledges that playing for a team of this calibre has always been his goal.
Eddie Howe's management of the Magpies has led to a fantastic start to the season.
Pope, who has excelled as their top shot-blocker, is now hoping to represent England at the World Cup.
“It was a dream of mine to sign a club like this,” Pope told Amazon Sport.
“I played in the Premier League for six years with Burnley and you want to push yourself as far as you can as a footballer as it’s a short career.
“So, as soon as I heard I had the opportunity to come here, I was over the moon and I wanted to hit the ground running. I really wanted to come to this football club at this moment. Ever since I’ve played at the top level, I didn’t want to just play to survive.
“You want to play, make your mark when you’re in a top team. When you want to be in a top team, there are certain things you’ve got to do, since I’ve walked through the door, we have worked on it.”
“The lads in front of me, it’s a credit to them,” he added on his teammates.
“They’ve looked after me ever so well since I’ve come to the football club and, like you see tonight, are well-drilled, with great attitude and off-the-ball work.
“I don’t think anyone was naive to the fact that there is a different style of play and maybe there are a few different things that are expected of me. But that’s something I wanted to be a part of.
“Ever since I’ve come here we’ve had a great core of players that have been here a while. Their character has allowed me to settle in – I did not feel like the new boy at school for very long.”