How hectic have the last couple of weeks been?
It's been mad. I've never known anything like it. It all started when PSV asked for a lot of money for me, £15 million, and there isn't a club in the whole world who would pay that for a defender. I'm just very glad that it has finally been resolved and that a price has been agreed.
Why were you so determined to come to Manchester United?
I've followed them since I was a boy. I used to adore them. When I was growing up most people supported Ajax, but I decided to follow United. I was attracted by their style of play and the whole atmosphere of English football.
What other clubs expressed an interest in you?
I know that Liverpool contacted my agent. Newcastle were interested too, and before Ruud Gullit left Chelsea he was keen to bring me over. I also heard that Athletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus had enquired.
Was it difficult to waive some of your percentage of the transfer fee?
No, because I wanted to play for United so much. When I realised the 15% clause was the sticking point in the deal, I knew I would have to lose some of it. Getting rich is not my first priority. I've always wanted to go to England to play football. I am coming to test myself and win medals with United. Money comes second after all of that.
Will the transfer be a burden?
It's strange to think I'm the world's most expensive defender, when PSV only paid £1 million for me two years ago, but I have progressed a lot. Manchester United are getting a better player. Clubs have always paid a lot for strikers, so if I make sure those strikers don't score against United then you could say I am worth the same.
Have you spoken to any of your Dutch international colleagues about life in the Premiership?
I spoke to Dennis Bergkamp and Marc Overmars, who like it very much. They enjoy living in England and performing in front of crowds who respect them. Overmars tried to persuade me to come to Arsenal, but I told him United were the only club for me.
Premiership defenders have had a lot of difficulty stopping Dennis Bergkamp and Overmars this season. How would you manage it?
I have my ways. It is difficult to explain, but I know how they play and what movements they make, so I believe I can stop them.
What were your impressions of Old Trafford when you came over to sign?
It was wonderful to finally be there in person because I had seen it so many times on television. I can't wait to play in front of 55,000 people every week. The whole place seems so alive to me. I went to the dressing room to meet a few of my future team mates, Berg, Beckham, Schmeichel and Butt, and the next morning at the Cliff I met the rest. It will be nice to have a couple of Dutchmen, Jordi Cruyff and Raimond Van der Gouw, there with me.
