Hearts' 'hungry' new signing Aaron McEneff bids emotional farewell to Irish league and cup-winning Shamrock Rovers team-mates

New Hearts signing Aaron McEneff says the chance to sign for Hearts was too good to turn down and he is ‘hungry’ to help Robbie Neilson’s side back to the Scottish Premiership.

Matteo Gabbia of AC Milan battles for possession with Aaron McEneff of Shamrock Rovers during the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round matchin Tallaght, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old signed from Shamrock Rovers this afternoon, completing a long-term aim of sporting director Joe Savage in bringing the Irishman to Tynecastle, and bid his former team-mates and club a fond farewell on social media – and outlined his ambitions for his move at ‘one of the biggest clubs in Scotland’.

On his personal Twitter account, and alongside images of the club’s 2020 Airtricity League title celebrations, McEneff wrote of the wrench to leave – but admitted the chance was too good to miss: “I'll leave Shamrock Rovers with memories I will cherish forever - winning the league unbeaten, them very special European nights and of course that unforgettable FAI Cup win.

“The chance to join such a huge club in Hearts was too good an opportunity to turn down.

"I am 26 years old this summer and felt it was time for me to test myself at a higher level so when the opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs in Scotland came about it was a chance that really excited me."

‘Hes been one of Ireland’s stand-out players for a couple of years’ – sporting director Joe Savage

McEneff, who will replace Olly Lee in the first-team’s midfield options, hailed Rovers’ boss Stephen Bradley’s influence on his career, and life, and now hopes to push on with a new challenge in Edinburgh.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Shamrock Rovers for everything they've done for me over the past two seasons,” he wrote.

Aaron McEneff is the latest signing at Hearts. Pic: Heart of Midothian FC

"I would like to thank Stephen Bradley in particular who has been a huge influence on my career and on my life. He convinced me to join Shamrock Rovers and it's the best decision I've ever made. Stephen has gone above and beyond for me and my family. Both he and his staff were incredible to work for and I am forever grateful to them.

"I'd like to thank the board, the club’s great supporters and I'd like to thank my very special group of teammates.

“I can't wait to get started and I'm so hungry to help hearts one promotion this season and get the club back challenging at the top of the Scottish game.”

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