David Marshall admits he is excited at the prospect of returning to the Premier League but has spoken of the difficult decision to leave Cardiff City.
The Scottish keeper has sealed a three-year deal with Hull City in what is sure to be a big loss to the Bluebirds.
But Marshall, 31, admitted: “It’s exciting to be coming back into the Premier League and to be joining Hull.
“It was a difficult decision to move on from Cardiff because I spent a lot of time there, and it wasn’t a decision that I took lightly, but I just felt that the time was right.
“Having spoken to the people up here, I didn’t need any convincing.
“It’s all about having that new, fresh challenge to look forward to. I feel that this is a club that is going places, especially when you look at the start they have made to the Premier League season.
“This is the league where everybody wants to be.
“I had a little taste of it with Cardiff two or three years ago, and when you look at the managers and players that have come into the league this summer it has probably grown since that time.
“For Hull to be there, and for me to have the opportunity to come in and play there, those were the important factors in my decision to make the move.”
Marshall was named in the team of the season during Cardiff’s one season back in the top flight in 2013/14 and maintained that outstanding form back in the Championship.
But he knows he has a fight on his hands to establish himself as the Tiger’s No 1 as he battles with fellow Scottish international Allan McGregor, out injured, and Eldin Jakupovic.
“I think there are only four or five goalkeepers in this division who can categorically say that they are their club’s number one,” added Marshall.
“Of course I anticipate a battle for the jersey. You can’t take anything for granted and I’m here to fight for a place, I’ve always been like that wherever I’ve been.
“The standard in the Premier League is higher than anywhere and I know that I’ve got a tough fight on my hands. ”
“It’s something that I’ll look forward to and not shy away from.”