Miguel Azeez says the ambition shown by Carlisle United to be the best club in the league and its strong support were key in his decision to sign for the Blues.
Azeez joined the Cumbrians from Morecambe on a two-year deal, becoming the first playing addition of the Rob Elliot era at Brunton Park.
The 23-year-old will bring an added tenacity as well as the technical ability to match to strengthen United’s midfield options ahead of the new National League season.
On making Brunton Park his new home, he said: "(I am) really happy, thank you for the welcome. I really can't wait to get started, and I feel like it's going to be a good season for all of us.
"When I first heard about the interest, I was really happy that a club with that magnitude could be interested in me."
He came through at Arsenal, progressing from academy to senior level, which shaped him as a footballer and a person: “I was there from the age of five until around 20, 21.
“So, it was my schooling of football, and I'd say I learned a lot from great players and also just certain things like discipline and being driven, and if you want to reach your goals, you need to sacrifice certain things.”
Further loan spells before a permanent move away from the Gunners in 2024 were key to his early development, he explained: “I was playing in different countries at a young age. So it made me adapt to my surroundings, and also being in a place which is not home could be quite difficult.
“I feel like if you are mentally strong, which it did challenge me sometimes, but it eventually made me stronger, and I feel like now nothing can really shape me in a negative way because I've had lots of up and down experiences, but it was an interesting period of my life.”
He was keen to highlight which role he sees himself in the side, alluding to what United fans can expect in future performances: “I love playing in the midfield and getting on the ball and making things happen.
“I'm a player with a lot of courage. I like to get the ball in difficult situations.”
But he did not shy away from the gritty defensive side of football, adding: “It's one of the aspects of my game which I try to work on a lot because it's always good to have both sides of the game.
“Coming up at Arsenal as well, it's very technical and tactical possession-based, but they don't really teach you a lot of the other side of the game, which I had to learn the more I got older, which I feel like now it's getting better and better.”
The lure of Brunton Park was something which excited Azeez, having been impressed when visiting with the Shrimps last season: “I was mesmerised, to be fair.
“The stadium is a beautiful stadium. I mean, the last time I came here, I was blown away.
“But now I'm just really happy to be here finally and can't wait to get started officially.”
The opportunity to work with Head Coach Rob Elliot was a draw after their positive conversations encouraged the move to Cumbria: “When I spoke to Rob, he made me feel at home and the plans that he has for me and my role in the team, which gave me a lot of confidence.
“I feel like with a manager like that, I can really show my best football, which is exciting.”
A passionate fanbase was also a draw with Azeez excited to build a connection and entertaining at his new home while achieving the team’s goals this coming campaign: "I want to bring happiness to the fans.
"When I play, they can watch me and feel when they go home, like they enjoyed watching the game.
"And I would love to bring lots of wins and to help them achieve their goals as well as us achieve our goals."
