Sean McLoughlin says it was the right time for him to seek a new challenge after swapping Hull City for Blackburn Rovers ahead of the new Championship season.
McLoughlin left City’s training camp in Turkey on Thursday to return to England and seal a move to Ewood Park, after Rovers agreed on what Hull Live understands was a fee in the region of £500,000.
The Irishman, who joined City from Cork in 2019, was the Tigers longest-serving player, turning out 148 times in Black and Amber.
“The conversations that I had with Hull, they kind of left the door open to move,” McLoughin told the Lancashire Telegraph. “I’ve been there six years and I had some great memories, but I think it was time for me to move on. When Blackburn Rovers renewed their interest, it was something that I was keen to get done. I’ve nothing but good things to say about Hull and how they treated me, and I’m obviously thankful for the past six years.
“There was one or two that were interested, but my agent phoned me and said that Blackburn Rovers were interested. I told them out of all the clubs that would be my preference to go to and, luckily, it managed to work out.”
McLoughlin arrived in time to jet out to Spain with his new teammates and head coach Valerien Ismael, on what will be an important trip to help get to know the rest of the squad.
“It is a good time, to be fair,” he continued. “They have obviously had a few weeks together in pre-season. To be able to go away and spend some time with them and get to know them, it is a good thing.
“Coming to a new place, it has obviously been six years since I did it, and I’m not used to it. It is strange being the new guy, but from speaking to the lads in there, they are very welcoming. I’m sure I will settle in quick.”
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