Goudmijn 'listened to heart and head' in Derby move

Kenzo Goudmijn spent much of the past two campaigns with Dutch top-flight side Excelsior on loan

Kenzo Goudmijn says he used his "heart and head" when deciding to join Derby County in what the Dutch midfielder calls a "crucial" next step in his career.

The 22-year-old had been linked with Heerenveen, the top-flight Dutch side managed by former Netherlands, Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, before deciding to leave AZ Alkmaar for the Rams in England's second tier.

Goudmijn also said there were "a lot of other teams" interested in him from the Netherlands and abroad - including other English clubs.

"I had a good season last season and felt like I had an important choice in front of me," he told BBC Radio Derby.

"When I heard about the interest [from Derby] I got a smile on my face because I was very intrigued.

"And listening to my heart and head, this was the best choice for me. And it's a crucial one, I'm 22."

Derby boss Paul Warne said the Rams got more "bang for their buck" by signing Goudmijn, who started in Friday's pre-season friendly victory against Stockport County in Spain.

He flew out with Derby for the warm-weather camp in Alicante just days after arriving for a reported 820,000 euros (£690,000).

Derby are the fourth club he has featured for in the past four years, having been loaned out by Alkmaar to Sparta Rotterdam and Excelsior in recent years.

"I think I'm at a good point in my life that I could make this step to be here and show what I’ve learned," Goudmijn added.

"I'm really looking forward to playing at this level and in this country and playing the football that I think can really help me grow and become a better player."