Rangers midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst joined premier league Arsenal on a five-year contract on Tuesday. The 26-year-old Dutch international told icons.com he was delighted to join compatriot Dennis Bergkamp at one of Europe's biggest clubs.
"I found out Arsenal were very interested last week, and it was a situation that immediately attracted me," he said. "I have made no secret of the fact that I am a big fan of the English premiership. It's one of the toughest leagues in the world and I've wanted to test myself there."
"It is a time in my career when I believe I need that sort of challenge to help me develop. If you look at the squad of players that Arsenal have, they are amazing and there are a whole bunch of players that I can't wait to play alongside."
Van Bronckhorst said Bergkamp had been a childhood hero. "Being able to play with him at club level is going to be great," he said. "You don't need me to talk about players like (Patrick) Vieira as the reputation is already there. It's very exciting to be part of such a world class group of players."
No financial details were immediately available but British newspapers estimated the transfer was worth £8million.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
