JOE Rothwell says he was “desperate” to make his loan move from Cherries to Leeds United a reality.

Rothwell last week joined the Whites on season-long deal.

It is the second time Rothwell has been loaned out to the Championship, spending the second half of last season with Southampton, where he achieved promotion.

The 29-year-old joined Cherries on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 after leaving Blackburn Rovers and still has two years remaining on his contract.

The midfielder has featured 35 times for Cherries, but after falling down the pecking order, has taken the opportunity to head out on loan again.

Discussing his move to Leeds, Rothwell told the club’s media: “Unbelievable. As soon as I heard of the interest, it was something I was desperate to make happen.

“Thankfully we managed to do it quite quickly, so I’m delighted to get going now.

“Hopefully the fans enjoy what I do.”

Asked how big of an influence boss Daniel Farke had on his decision to move to Elland Road, Rothwell added: “Huge. I had a good few conversations with him.

“He obviously spoke really highly of the place and what brought him here. It made me want to come even more. There’s only one aim this year.

“I don’t think Leeds United needs selling to anyone, to be honest.

“It’s a huge football club. They’re in this division again, but were a bit unlucky last year.

“The aim is one thing and that’s to get back to the Premier League.

“I want to come here and try and add a bit of experience and help the team do that.”

Leeds finished third in the Championship last season, behind Leicester City and Ipswich Town, only to lose to Southampton in the play-off final.

Rothwell was an unused substitute at Wembley.

(Image: Richard Crease)

“It was a bit of a freak season last year, with the team accumulating the points that they did,” said the former Manchester United youngster.

“Any other season, 90 points usually gets you up.

“It was weird season, but watching from afar, they were a really exciting team to watch and it’s something I’m really excited to be a part of.

“You think of Leeds and you think of the fans.

“I’ve had a few experiences of playing here before. It’s the first time I’ve ever felt a stadium vibrate before when a goal went in.

“It will be nice to be on the right side of the fans this time, instead of the wrong side.”

He added: “This club probably shouldn’t be in the Championship. It’s a Premier League club. There’s one aim this year and we’ll be looking to do that.

“As soon as I heard of the interest, it was a case of trying to get it over the line as quickly as possible.

“Thankfully we’ve managed to do that. It gives me a good four or five weeks now to get around the lads, get to know them and we can kick on to start the season.”

Leeds start their season against newly-promoted Portsmouth on August 10.