Gary Madine has insisted he jumped at the chance to join Sheffield United from Cardiff City.
The 28-year-old has made the loan move to Bramall Lane until the end of the season after a goal-less 12 months with the Bluebirds.
And Madine has dismissed fears his move will not be met with universal joy in the red-and-white half of the city given his links with rivals Wednesday.
“There were other teams interested,” said Madine, who made just 19 appearances for Cardiff following his £6million arrival from Bolton last January.
“But, believe it or not, when I knew Sheffield United was interested, I was buzzing and jumped at the chance. I have played with some of the lads and against them too, I was dying to make the move happen.
“Some people have this perception I don’t like Sheffield United, but that is not true. I have had over 20,000 supporters booing me when I have played here before, it is an intimidating place to come and some players would crumble.
“But I have always thought I would not mind being part of that and it is certainly a club on the up, one who play some excellent football.”
Madine faces a battle to get into the starting line-up given skipper Billy Sharp and on loan David McGoldrick have formed a 25-goal partnership taking them into third in the Championship.
And Leon Clarke has also chipped in with goals coming off the bench.
But boss Chris Wilder is confident Madine will be a hit in Sheffield despite his disappointing time under Neil Warnock despite helping City to promotion last season.
“I’ve heard so much nonsense about what Gary will do to the changing room, but people have got to trust me and I deserve that right,” said Wilder.
Gary Madine To Wipe Bluebirds Slate Clean And Join Sheffield United On Loan
“We’re looking forward to working with Gary, there have been bits and pieces in the past, but I will always look into characters and how they conduct themselves.
“Gary will add to what we’ve got off the pitch, but more importantly on it.
“It’s a bold decision by the boy too, he could have taken an easy option. There were two or three top end Championship clubs that he could have gone too.
“He’s made a brave move that should be respected, he’s not took the easy way out and he wanted to make this happen.
“I’ve spoken to people I trust and respect who have worked with him and every time he’s played against us he’s been a proper handful.”
