This is Leicestershire --New Leicester City signing Zoumana Bakayogo has admitted that when he heard of Leicester City's interest in him he thought it was a joke.
The 26-year-old Ivory Coast defender said he never imagined a club of the stature of City would be in for him after leaving League One side Tranmere in the summer.
Bakayogo said once he knew it was for real, he did not hesitate to join Nigel Pearson's men, signing on a two-year deal.
"I didn't believe it at first when I heard of Leicester's interest," he said. "I thought it was a joke.
"But my agent kept telling me Leicester were in for me. I was quite happy and surprised at the same time."
Bakayogo, who started his career at Paris St Germain and spent two seasons at Millwall, has never played at as high a level as the Championship before, but he said he was determined to succeed.
"I am really hungry for this," he said.
"It is a great chance for me to step up a level and see how far I can go, and even higher if we can.
"I haven't had this chance before so I am determined to take it.
"It is about my career and it is great that a Championship club like Leicester came in for me. There were a few clubs interested, but I have chosen the best option for myself. I need a new challenge and this is a big
one. It is a big club and everyone should want to play at a club like Leicester, with the ambition to go up to the highest level. It is good to be in a squad that wants to go to the top.
"The manager spoke to me several times and he gave me confidence. He told me to relax and be myself. That will help me more, especially with my confidence."
Bakayogo, who is not expected to feature in this week's freindlies as he builds up his fitness, said he is relishing the prospect of challenging Paul Konchesky for City's left-back berth.
"I play left-back and left midfield, but I prefer left back," he said. "I know that Paul Konchesky is the left-back but I will compete with him, progress with him and learn from him.
"It will be good for me to take his experience and, hopefully, I will then progress.
"I am confident on the ball and good at defensive shape, but I need to progress in areas and I am here to work on that. I may learn new things.
"I know some of the lads and the rest I know from the television, and I know that there is a French lad as well in Anthony Knockaert.
"There are lots of good players here. We all want promotion and are working hard for it. It won't be easy." Reported by This is 15 hours ago.