Lukas Hornicek says he has been on an 'emotional rollercoaster' after completing his move to Newcastle United from SC Braga. The Czech goalkeeper's £25.7m release clause was activated as he signed a five-year deal.
The transfer makes Hornicek Newcastle's fifth signing of the summer. He met his new team-mates over the weekend and will now join the squad during the opening days of the pre-season training camp in Spain.
Hornicek said: "The last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster from when I first heard about the move and now I'm so happy to be here. It's a brilliant opportunity in a new league, which I'm very excited about."
"From the very first moment I arrived here, I received a fantastic welcome and really felt the warmth of the club. Everyone has been brilliant in helping me settle in."
"I know Newcastle is a huge football city, with 52,000 fans at St James' Park creating an incredible atmosphere and pushing the team every game. I can't wait to play in front of them."
Sporting director's verdict
With Matthias Jaissle's arrival yet to be rubber-stamped, Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson welcomed Hornicek to the club.
"I'm delighted to welcome Lukas to Newcastle United. His progress in recent years has been remarkable and he has firmly established himself as one of Europe's top young goalkeepers," Wilson said.
"We knew there would be no shortage of clubs interested in acquiring Lukas this summer after everything he achieved last season, but it quickly became evident how keen he was to be a part of what we are building here."
Pre-season camp in Spain
Wilson added that the swift completion of the deal enabled Hornicek to join the squad during the opening days of the pre-season training camp in Spain.
"I'm really pleased we've been able to conclude the deal swiftly, which has enabled Lukas to join the squad during the opening days of our pre-season training camp in Spain. Being here for the next week will only benefit him as he gets to know his new team-mates and coaching staff," he added.
