"Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet didn't really have to sell it to me, and I didn't really have to think about it. I like what they're trying to achieve here.
"I didn't see a move coming this early, but it's happened and I've moved on. I found out on Friday afternoon; it was a late thing and it came about by surprise.
"I played at the Stadium of Light on Thursday night for Newcastle's reserves, and after my warm-down on Friday I found out that there had been a few clubs interested.
"I had to decide in a couple hours, and I had to stay at the training ground in Newcastle until the manager gave it the go-ahead.
"I heard Leeds had put a bid in for me and I drove straight down to talk terms with the club. I had another two years left at Newcastle but I didn't want to sit around and play for the reserves, or the odd first team game.
"I've played for three or four years in the reserves and it's not what I want."