Steven Thompson has revealed that a desire to fulfil a childhood ambition was the driving force behind his St Mirren deal.
The 32-year-old yesterday penned a two-year contract after successfully completing a medical as he followed through on a verbal agreement to sign with Saints that was reached some weeks back.
The former Rangers striker's deal ended at Burnley and a combination of his desire to spearhead his hometown team's attack and to see his family settled in the area where he grew up proved overwhelming despite competition for his signature from Hibs and St Johnstone.
Now, as he looks forward to the new season which will see him make his return to the SPL for the first time since he left Ibrox for Cardiff in January 2006, Thompson admitted he has a fresh appetite for the game.
He said: "I was lucky enough to score at the old Love Street as a player but that was for Dundee United. But I can't wait to get on the pitch to play for St Mirren at St Mirren Park. Getting out there in front of the St Mirren fans will be a big thrill for me.
"The bottom line is that I thought if I was going to come up the road then there was only one club I was going to go to.
"There were other Scottish clubs interested but having supported St Mirren as a boy and with them being the closest club to where I was brought up and now live, it was a fairly straightforward decision to make. It couldn't have worked out any better for me.
"St Mirren were my first love and it was always an ambition of mine to play for them. I just didn't know when.
"There were offers as well from the Championship and League One but I'd made my mind up what I wanted to do. Once I was coming back to Scotland there was only one place I wanted to come."
Thompson has dismissed suggestions his relocation to Paisley is a pension plan, coming just four months short of his 33rd birthday.
He said: "I would like to think I'm still quite fit and able to compete. Maybe I come into the veteran category now but I certainly don't feel like a veteran. I'm buzzing to get back into it.
"I've been away for Scotland for five years so it will be fresh for me and something different to come back to."
Thompson went on: "When I left I was glad to go as it was season after season facing the same teams and that can get a bit boring. But having been away I've got a renewed appetite for getting back into it. I'm raring to go and want to make a success of it."
Buddies boss Danny Lennon has admitted his delight at Thompson's arrival.
He said: "My target for next season was to add that bit extra quality to the squad and the starting XI and we certainly have that with Stevie's arrival.
"I am absolutely delighted to have signed him and I am sure he will make a big impact for us next season.
"I think the great thing that shone through was Stevie's hunger to come and play for St Mirren and that was very important."
Meanwhile, Saints midfielder Steven Thomson signed a new one-year contract extension earlier this week.
Saints are also still hopeful of concluding a deal to sign Paul McGowan permanently following his successful spell on loan from Celtic last term.