Yan Dhanda says Hearts already feels like home as he spoke of his delight at completing his transfer to Tynecastle.
The creative midfielder became Steven Naismith’s sixth signing of the summer this week, penning a three-year-deal following the expiry of his contract at Ross County.
“I’m just glad the waiting’s done. I’m finally here now,” he told Hearts TV.
“Obviously, I’ve knew for quite a few months that I’m coming here, so I’ve been excited since the moment I signed quite a few months back now.
“Yeah, I’m very, very happy, as you can tell and I’m just glad it’s done now and I’m finally here.”
Yan’s delight is further bolstered by the personal connection he has with Hearts, with the midfielder educated from a young age about the Jambos in his family.
“I know that obviously they’re amazing fans and probably the best in Scotland,” Yan said.
“I’ve had a lot of messages and so many positive messages and people just wanted me to be announced and obviously I couldn’t say when I was getting announced, but now it’s finally done.
“Hearts is in my family, my granddad and uncle have a season ticket here so I know how passionate the supporters are. They’ve had a season ticket at Hearts now for 20 years. Every time they come to Birmingham and stay with the family all they speak about is Hearts and checking Hearts’ results.
“So since I’ve been like seven years old, I’ve been around it and I know how much this club means to them.
The moment I was at Ross County and I played against Hearts the first game of last season, I said to my family, this is where I wanted to be.”
With a massive season on the domestic and continental fronts ahead for the Jambos, Yan admits he struggles to contain his excitement about starting life in maroon.
“Obviously after the game I played here, I played quite well and and scored a goal. So I think after the game all I was thinking is I hope Hearts try and sign me after that!” he said.
“So yeah, a couple weeks later I had a good conversation with people at Hearts and then the manager called me and as soon as I spoke to him, I knew this was the right place for me.
“I think he’s someone I can really learn from and kick on and go to the next level.”