Castagne: I Will Give My Best For Leicester City
Versatile full-back Castagne, 24, joined the Foxes on Thursday from Italian outfit Atalanta, where the Belgium international starred in two successive third-placed finishes for I Nerazzurri.
The former Genk defender, with experience in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, spoke to LCFC TV on Thursday to discuss his move to the Premier League.
"I'm feeling really good," Castagne said, speaking via video call from Belgium's UEFA Nations League training camp. "I heard a lot of good things about the Club, so I'm very happy.
"Without a question, I'm very excited. I saw already a few members of the staff and they already told me that the group is fantastic, so I'm looking forward to it.
"Mentally, I'm ready. Of course, I will need some help, you know, from the manager, from everybody, but I'm very excited. It's the best league in the in the world, so I really want to do well."
It will not have escaped the attention of many Foxes supporters that Castagne is an international colleague of Leicester midfielders Youri Tielemans and Dennis Praet in the Belgium squad.
However, some may not be aware that the former Atalanta full-back also emerged through Genk's academy system at a similar time to Wilfred Ndidi - and Castagne is looking forward to a catch up.
"I've heard a lot," he added. "We (Atalanta) played also in the stadium already last year so it's nice. I had a preview, but obviously with Youri and Dennis, we talked a bit, so I know a few things.
"It's going to be a lot easier [because of that]. I know also Ndidi from our time in Genk, so it's going to be nice, as well, to see him again. Of course, it's going to be way easier for me."
As Castagne recalled, he featured for Atalanta in a pre-season friendly on Filbert Way in August of last year ahead of an incredible season, for him personally, but also for both clubs involved.
Leicester went on to secure the Club's second-best finish in the Premier League, while Atalanta progressed to the quarter-finals of the Champions League during their maiden entry in the competition.
"I remember a lot about the game," he continued, remembering that 2-1 friendly success for Leicester 13 months ago. "I said after the game that this was really the kind of football that I like.
"It was fast-paced and forward-minded. That was also part of my decision. After that game, I thought every time about the team and what a way to play, so there was a good impression."
Jamie Vardy scored for the Foxes that day and Castagne, a keen follower of the Premier League, is excited by the opportunity to link up with the 2019/20 Golden Boot winner.
"It's going to be nice to have a player with that much quality," he explained. "Obviously, he's not the only one, but he's a real dangerous player, so it's better to have him on my team!"
As City fans look ahead to the prospect of the Club's fifth European campaign, in the Europa League, their latest recruit is confident that his new side can make lasting memories on the continent.
"You want every time to do better and I think, in the Europa League, we have a chance to do something very good," Castagne said.
"Obviously, with the result that Leicester had last year and the quality that they showed on the pitch, we have something to play for in the Europa League."
Castagne concluded his interview with a simple message for the Blue Army - a dedication to give his all for the Foxes - while also offering a glimpse of his preferred style of play.
"They can expect me to always give my best and always work hard and that will be every game," he added. "I'm going to run a lot also, so be ready for that!"