NEW loan-signing Armando Broja can’t wait to get started with Saints and insists “I was really excited to join Southampton, it’s amazing for a young player to experience being in a Premier League team.”

The 19-year-old striker has joined on a temporary deal from London-side Chelsea until the end of the season, with the Premier League campaign kicking off tomorrow.

After scoring ten on loan at Dutch side Vitesse last season, Broja feels the time is now for him to step up a gear.

He told the club website: “I took that step to go out on my first senior loan, it was a really good step to take, I developed, became a man, and played well which I was happy about.

“I’ve played six international games too, it’s been good to experience first team club football and international.

“I was really excited to join Southampton, a very good Premier League club, a big history, in the best league in the world. Really happy to get started with the boys.

“It’s amazing for a young player to experience being in and around a Premier League team.

“I knew they (Dynel Simeu and Tino Livramento) came over which was very good for them, I spoke to Dynel but I get along with them both very well. He said it’s a very good club, good people, nice facilities.”

Back in March this year, Broja actually started in a World Cup qualifier against England, adding: “Of course it was tough, against probably one of the best squads in the world.

“But an amazing experience to be able to play against England at such a young age, against such good players.”

Asked about his footballing influences and what he can bring to Saints, he said: “I’m a tall striker but I’m also quite quick, like to dribble, to hold up the ball, link up play – and scoring lots of goals.

“I have two main icons, Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazilian Ronaldo, they are my two favourite players.

“I try to use some of his (Ronaldo Nazario) game to help me learn as well.”