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Scotland internationalist Callum Paterson admits he is thrilled to be starting a new chapter at Cardiff City after bidding an emotional farewell to Hearts.
The defender, who was a free agent, has signed a three-year contract with the English Championship club in a move that is set to net Hearts training compensation in the region of £400,000.
Bluebirds manager Neil Warnock has also confirmed that a sell-on fee, which Paterson himself is said to have insisted on, is part of the deal.
Rangers had also been interested in recruiting the 22-year-old but Paterson has opted for a fresh challenge south of the border.
The right-back, who is still recovering from rupturing his cruciate knee ligaments, insists he is excited about progressing his career at the Welsh club.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted and buzzing to be part of this big club. I can’t wait to get prepared for the upcoming season.
“It’s nice and early so I’ve got a lot of time to bed in, get to know my way around the area and introduce myself. It’s great timing and I’m happy to be here.
“I would also like to thank Heats and the fans for 6 memorable years.
“I’ve been with the club through the ups and downs and had some amazing times there, and made some really good friends that will last a lifetime.
“I also wish the club all the best in the future. Can’t wait for this new chapter to begin.”
Paterson joined Hearts in 2010 from Tynecastle Boys Club and went on to make 162 appearances, scoring 38 goals.
The five-times capped internationalist also collected a Championship winner’s medal in 2015 after helping the Gorgie outfit return to the Premiership at the first attempt following the club’s disastrous plunge into administration.
Paterson recently returned to running after suffering the serious knee injury against Kilmarnock in December and is hoping to become an attacking threat for Cardiff when fit.
He added: “Anyone that has watched me has seen that I like to attack.
“I’m athletic and I like to go forward and try and get on the end of crosses.
“I’m a great attacker and I like to score my goals, so hopefully I can come here and score a few too.”
Cardiff manager Warnock is delighted to recruit the Scotland internationalist, and also confirmed the sell-on clause.
Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News, he said: “I like Callum, I just got a feeling about him when I met him and I’m delighted to get him to Cardiff.
“It’s the right time for the player and the club, and they’ve got a sell-on as well because they’ve developed him.
“I’m pleased because it’s a good club and I like Hearts. We wanted to do the right thing by them. I like Craig Levein, the director of football.
“We had some battles when he was at Leicester. I just think it’s a well-run club and I like the owner, Ann Budge, who has done a decent job.”
Confirming his departure, a Hearts statement read: “Under FIFA regulations, the club is entitled to training compensation, which has been agreed with Cardiff City.
“Callum has been a firm favourite with the fans for many years and we know they are sad to see him go.
On behalf of all of these supporters and indeed everyone here at Tynecastle, the club would like to thank Callum for his efforts and we wish him well in his career.”
