The strength of Norwich City's new project under Johannes Hoff Thorup convinced Ben Chrisene to turn his back on Aston Villa. 

Chrisene joined the Canaries officially on Tuesday before featuring in their 2-2 friendly draw against Hoffenheim in Austria later that evening. 

Norwich have paid a fee that could eventually reach seven figures to lure him away from Villa Park, with Chrisene turning down the opportunity to extend his stay in the Midlands in pursuit of regular first-team football. 

City is still hoping to sign Manchester City's Callum Doyle on a season-long loan to complete their roster of left-back options. 

Speaking exclusively to the Pink Un in Austria, Chrisene explained why he felt a move to Norwich was the best next step for his development. 

"I sat down with the gaffer and had a few calls with him. He thoroughly went through the plan for me and the club," the 20-year-old said. 

"He has strong ambitions, and that enticed me to come in. It's obviously tough leaving Villa when I've been there for four years, and since I joined, when they were a relegation team, they've progressed into a Champions League model club.

"It's always hard to leave that when you feel like you could have broken in, but it's hard to do that when your team is doing so well.

"At this point, I had to do what was best for me, and at this stage, I think Norwich is that step for me. I hope to play with Norwich to get to the Premier League together. That is the goal."

Norwich were hopeful of completing the deal to bring Chrisene to the club to fly him out earlier, but after a frenetic few days, the left back was delighted to secure his future to City, signing a four-year deal. 

Ben Chrisene featured for Norwich City in their 2-2 friendly draw with Hoffenheim.Ben Chrisene featured for Norwich City in their 2-2 friendly draw with Hoffenheim. (Image: Adam Harvey/Newsquest)

"It's been a bit chaotic for me, considering the lads were all out here. We hoped that I would fly out with the lads on Sunday, but the medical got delayed, so I had to fly out last night and I got here at 1am," he said. 

"The gaffer said, 'Do you want to play a little bit just to get it in your legs?' And I said, 'Go on then.' It's always nice to get it in your legs and get the first game out of the way. 

"All the lads, the gaffer, and the coaching staff have made me feel welcome. There are a lot of names to learn, but I'll get there by the end of the week."