Lewis Hall has explained his decision to leave Chelsea to join Newcastle United on a season-long loan deal.

Hall, who agreed on a new six-year contract to stay at Stamford Bridge, officially joined Newcastle from Chelsea on Tuesday.

Reacting after joining Newcastle, the 18-year-old defender suggested that he joined The Magpies because he was a fan of the club while growing up.

“I am very proud. Me and my family are Newcastle fans, and for me and my brother growing up, it was drilled into us that we were Newcastle. It is a big club, and I can’t wait to get started,” Hall told Newcastle’s website.

“To now be here at Newcastle, the club that I have supported since I was a kid, I am honored and very proud to wear this shirt.”

“It is very exciting. When you look back on last season and the way the team performed—not just the results but the performances the team was putting in—it was amazing.

“There are so many talented players, and we’ve got the Champions League now as well.”