Newcastle unveil new signing Duff

Duff is besieged by Newcastle fans ahead of his unveiling

Newcastle unveiled new signing Damien Duff following his £5m move to the club from Premiership champions Chelsea.

The 27-year-old winger, who is believed to have turned down Liverpool and Tottenham, signed a five-year contract with the Magpies on Saturday.

Duff said on Monday: "A lot of people - Liverpool fans in Ireland - will ask 'why didn't you sign for them?'

"But I just listened to my heart and it told me to come to Newcastle. That's all it is."

News conference: Damien Duff

Before making his decision, Duff spoke to ex-Chelsea team-mate Scott Parker and his fellow Republic of Ireland internationals who play with Newcastle, Shay Given and Stephen Carr.

He said he took 'a couple of days' to make his decision and the left-sided midfielder revealed he instigated his departure from Stamford Bridge.

There is a massive job ahead of us and I think everyone knows that we are not going to win the Premiership this year Damien Duff

"If it wasn't for me piping up I would still be there now doing pre-season training," said Duff.

"I rang the Chelsea chief executive, Peter Kenyon, about three weeks ago and I just said if any clubs come in I would like to speak to them.

"Newcastle came in and I am happy to be here."

In 2003, Chelsea paid £17m to Blackburn for Duff and he made 125 appearances and scored 19 goals for the Blues.

Duff, who has been capped 58 times for the Republic of Ireland, picked up two Premiership title medals during his time at Stamford Bridge.

He does not expect the same level of success at St James' Park but insists he is determined to help the club to silverware.

We owe Chelsea a big favour Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd

Duff added: "We're not kidding ourselves here. There is a massive job ahead of us and I think everyone knows that we are not going to win the Premiership this year.

"But I have signed for five years and I intend staying with the boss and chairman and doing great things."

Magpies boss Glenn Roeder predicted more new arrivals at the club but urged for patience from fans.

The fee for Duff represents a significant drop on the £10m reported for the deal and Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd praised Chelsea for allowing the move to go ahead at that price.

"Chelsea are happy with the deal and we are happy. Let's be honest, we owe Chelsea a big favour," said Shepherd.