Ousmane Dembele has said he never had any doubts over his decision to join Borussia Dortmund and that future teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang urged him to make the switch.
Rennes forward Dembele, 19, signed a five-year deal at Dortmund last week for a reported €15 million despite interest from a host of other top European clubs.
Dembele, who won Ligue 1's Young Player of the Year award despite only making his debut in November, had made up his mind early on and only wanted to join Dortmund.
The French forward told Sport Bild: "They always gave me the impression that I am important and they really want me. Since our first meeting in the winter, I have talked to [BVB] coach Thomas Tuchel a lot. I am convinced that he is the right one to continue my development.
"Overall, the club is a good place for young players. The past has shown it."
Welcome to Dortmund, @Dembouz! ✌️https://t.co/u6SV0HVi3f
- Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) May 18, 2016
Over the last five years, Dortmund have built a strong reputation for developing young players, with many having been sold on to larger rivals.
They sold Nuri Sahin to Real Madrid in 2011 and Shinji Kagawa to Manchester United the following year, while Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski left for Bayern Munich, with Mats Hummels to follow this summer.
Germany international Ilkay Gundogan was set for transfer to Manchester City before sustaining a severe knee injury and Aubameyang has been linked with a switch to Real Madrid.
Sahin and France-born Gabon international Aubameyang, who joined from St Etienne in 2013, also played his role in Dembele's decision.
"I talked to Nuri Sahin, who told me a lot about this club, and of course with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang," Dembele said. "He advised me to join BVB. He's a great guy, and I don't say because he also speaks French."
Sport Bild reports that Dortmund will pay an upfront fee of €8m for Dembele with a further €7m in add-ons.