Departing skipper Jonny Howson says leaving Leeds United was the biggest decision of his life - but the lure of Premier League football proved the deciding factor.

The midfielder, who has made 227 appearances for United since graduating from the club's Academy, has now completed the formalities of his move to East Anglia and is now a Premier League player with Norwich City.

"Decision-wise, this is the biggest decision I've had to make in my life," Jonny told LUTV.

"There's so many things I've had to look at and think about. I found out on Tuesday morning about the bid and spoke to the gaffer, and it's been a mad week. Decision-wise it's been so tough.

"The reason is Premier League. I am going to a very good club with good support, but at the same time I know I'm leaving a club I've loved from being such a young boy. That's not going to change. The hardest thing was leaving somewhere I've been from six or seven years of age, and it's been hard.

"It's been a massive part of my life, but this is a great chance for me. This is the sort of chance that doesn't come around that often and it's a chance I feel I have to take while it's there. This is a great chance for me because you can't guarantee anything in football and when you get a chance like this you have to make the most of it."

Jonny's contract was due to expire at the end of the season and the midfielder had not made any secret of his desire to make the step up to the top-flight.

"It's been no secret that my ambition is to play in the Premiership and that's why we never got round to sorting the contract because we don't know where Leeds United are going to be and I wanted to give myself a chance of playing in the Premiership," he explained.

"I can understand why the club has sold me now because it's better to get something now than at the end of the season. I'm going to a great club, they are flying high, doing ever so well, and they have a great team that we've been close to here over the past couple of seasons, and they have a great manager as well."

The departing skipper is also aware of the frustration of disappointed fans who are seeing the homegrown player move on.

"It makes it harder because when you see a reaction like that you realise you mean something to them, and you don't always realise," said Jonny.

"I was the club captain and from the area, but it was me that was still wanting to play in the Premiership and from the club's point of view I would have done the same thing if I was in their shoes.

"It was a case of getting something a few months before rather than nothing at all in the summer and if you look at it that way, rather than 'homegrown lad who was captain' you understand it more."

Jonny has been out of action since December 3 after suffering a knee injury during the home game against Millwall, but he is still hoping United can push on and make serious challenge to escape the Championship this season.

"The past few games, from what I've heard, they haven't been playing well but it shows signs of a good side who can pick up points when not playing well," said Jonny.

"It's seven points from nine now without playing well so it's not bad. With regards to getting promoted, I think they can.

"Everyone involved with the club wants to get there. I believe they can, they have some terrific, talented players, and in this league if you can put a run together you can get out of it, but it is tough at the same time. I really hope they can get out of this league.

"Everyone at Leeds is wanting Premier League football. I know how much the players and the staff want it, but you can't guarantee that. The ambition is always here at this club, but as I've said it's not guaranteed."

The life and times of Jonny Howson....all week on LUTV...