Michael Mancienne believes he will improve as a player after sealing a switch to Hamburg from Chelsea.
Hamburg new boy explains decision to move to Germany
Michael Mancienne believes he will improve as a player after sealing a switch to Hamburg from Chelsea.
Mancienne, currently preparing for England Under 21s' European Championship opener against Spain on Sunday, joined the German club at the end of the season.
He had previously spent almost 15 years in the system at Stamford Bridge, managing just six appearances for his parent club and starting only twice in the Premier League.
Indeed, nearly his entire career was spent on loan at Queens Park Rangers and Wolves, where he spent most of the last three seasons.
Mancienne revealed on Saturday he had more than one option upon deciding to quit Chelsea but felt Hamburg - where he will be reunited with former Blues sporting director Frank Arnesen - was the best.
"I think it'll have a great benefit," said the versatile 23-year-old.
"It's a new challenge for me and to play for a big team such as Hamburg and to be playing week in, week out.
"I'm really honoured to go there and really looking forward to the challenge."
Massive opportunity
Mancienne will become one of only a handful of English players to have braved a move to one of Europe's top leagues in recent seasons.
He claimed it was a mystery why more of his compatriots had not followed suit, saying: "To be honest, I don't know.
"I saw it as a massive opportunity to go abroad and to play in the German league, so I'm really excited by it.
"I did have a few other options, but I saw Hamburg as my biggest option."
Mancienne hopes to arrive at his new club with a European Under-21 Championship-winners' medal around his neck.
"Everyone's really up for it," he said.
"In the build-up at La Cala, all the boys were really excited and couldn't wait for the tournament to start.
"And I think everyone's really geed up for the first game."
