Former Newcastle United defender Federico Fernandez is delighted with his move to Elche.

The Argentine joined Elche on a free transfer last week.

The 33-year-old centre-back said that "after eight years in the Premier League" with Swansea and Newcastle, he "felt I wanted a different challenge".

"I knew the league from my short time at Getafe. We'll be fighting low down, but I'm not afraid of challenges," he declared.

Fernández, signed by the franjiverdes on the last day of the summer market, acknowledged that he already had the idea of changing clubs "at the beginning of the season", but he wanted to think carefully about his new destination.

"Offers arrived and I liked the Elche project. The owner wanted an available player who contributes and gives something different. That was enough for me. There is a very nice and united family. I am very happy to be here," h said.