Leicester Tigers scrum-half James Grindal says the club are embedded in his heart.
The 28-year-old rejoined the Tigers last month after seven years with Newcastle Falcons.
Grindal told BBC Radio Leicester: "There's no better club in Europe, if not the world, and even more importantly it's close to my heart.
"Every time you pull on that shirt you're doing it for each other and doing it for 25,000 people."
The England Saxons international has made 200 first-team appearances with his two clubs and will compete with Harry Ellis and Ben Youngs for the number nine jersey.
He added: "Leicester have got a fantastic squad - in every position there's two or three high-quality players, and I want to add to that at scrum-half.
"I realise we've got Harry (Ellis) who has come off the back off a Lions tour and is an England international. Ben Youngs is a young England Under-20 international and had a good second half to last season.
"I want to complement what's already here. I want to compete for that jersey and when I pull that jersey on I want everyone to know I will give it my all.
"I am under no illusions how tough it's going to be, but that's what Leicester has been built on, strength and depth.
"Players are best mates but also competing with each other and that brings out the best in the team."
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