Damien Duff has revealed his heart told him to join Newcastle from Chelsea despite interest from Liverpool and Tottenham.
The Republic of Ireland winger has signed for the Magpies for a bargain £5million after a successful spell at Chelsea in which he collected two Premiership winners' medals.
Duff received a hero's welcome at St James' Park today and admitted the passion for football on Tyneside played a part in his decision.
"It feels special," he told a press conference. "Playing here with Chelsea and Blackburn it was an unbelievable place to come as an away player, it's probably the most passionate place in England to play. That is one of the many factors why I wanted to come here.
"It took a couple of days (to make the decision). I spoke to the gaffer and the lads here like Scott Parker, Steve Carr and Shay Given but at the end I listened to my heart.
"Maybe there are a lot of Liverpool supporters in Ireland saying 'why didn't you sign for us' but my heart told me to come to Newcastle United."
Duff's transfer was completed for just £5 million, a statement to the Stock Exchange has confirmed.
The 27-year-old winger was tipped for a move away from Stamford Bridge in a bid for regular first-team football, with Tottenham initially linked with a move for £10 million.
The capture of Duff for just £5 million represents superb value for the Magpies, who have spent heavily without success. Recent high-profile signing Albert Luque has failed to deliver, while Michael Owen is currently injured.
Duff completed his move over the weekend, and the statement to the Stock Exchange confirmed: "The directors of Newcastle United PLC are pleased to announce that Damien Duff passed his medical and his transfer from Chelsea has been completed for a fee of £5 million.
"The player has agreed personal terms and signed a five-year contract ending in June 2011."
While Duff will not be playing in the Champions League, he will feature in the Uefa Cup as the Magpies saw off Lillestrom of Norway in the Intertoto Cup to go into Friday's draw for the Uefa Cup second qualifying round.
