Former Fulham captain Danny Murphy say the promise of first-team football was behind his decision to join Championship side Blackburn.
Playmaker Murphy spent five successful seasons with Fulham, captaining them to the 2010 Europa League final under the guidance of current England boss Roy Hodgson.
After making 48 appearances in all competitions last season, the 35-year-old remains intent on regular game time - something Rovers boss Steve Kean made clear was on the agenda.
He said: "First and foremost, in my whole career I've made decisions based on playing football.
"Steve made it blatantly obvious that he wanted me here to be on the pitch, playing and performing which was a big factor.
"The conversation I'd had with Fulham was they wanted me to stay but they were maybe looking at bringing someone in to play instead of me rather than competing with me.
"I didn't want to go down the road of finishing my career sitting, playing the odd game here and there. I'd rather be part of a new challenge and a project and that's what this gave me."
Murphy admits the decision to turn his back on a top-flight career that has taken in spells with Liverpool, Charlton and Tottenham was difficult to stomach at first.
He explained: "Initially I was a little bit reluctant in that respect, but the more I thought about it, the more influence I thought I could have at this level.
"I don't think I have anything to prove in my career. I think my ego was initially what I worried about, but playing in the Championship is another challenge for me and one I'm really looking forward to."