Kenny McLean has called Norfolk home for almost eight years now, but he still remembers just how important the decision to join Norwich City was back in 2018.
“I was obviously in Scotland, playing at Aberdeen,” he says. “I'd been there 3-and-a-half years and my contract was coming to an end and I decided for myself and the club that I was going to move on.
“And from options, thankfully, I chose the right one. Being a free agent, sometimes you get a few more options, so it's about making the right decision for you and your family.
“We didn't have any kids at the time, so I'm grateful that I’ve been able to bring my two girls up here; it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made.”
Eight years on from arriving in Norfolk, the midfielder speaks less like a player passing through and more like somebody rooted to the City. Norfolk has become home, not simply because of what he has achieved in yellow and green, but because of the life he has built around it.
“I'm over the moon to know that I'm going to be here for the next a couple of years. It's a place that me and my family call home,” he says.
“I'm delighted to know that I'm going to be here for longer because that's what I want.”
Over the years, McLean has played a big part of one of the most successful periods in Norwich City’s recent history; two Championship titles and two promotions to the Premier League. Through different squads, managers and seasons, he has remained a constant in the team.
Speaking on the two titles: “I think the squads, I've always said, were built very, very well,” he says. “We had a bit of everything. We had youth, we had experience, we had that bit of dig, we had that bit of quality.”
“Everything just fell into place and obviously there were a few standout players which you need along the way and I think we've got that in the squad now.
“But if I look back then there was so much quality, and I think even opposition teams would agree, that they feared a lot of the players that we had.
“We were in a very good position and obviously having that success at this football club is one of the best things that I'll ever do in my career.”
Those squads are remembered fondly by supporters not only because of the silverware, but because of the connection they built with the city and the supporters around them. McLean sees similarities beginning to emerge once again.
“I wouldn't say it's so focused,” he says, discussing breaking into the all-time top 20 Norwich City appearance makers. “Further down the line maybe it's something I look back on, but my aim is always to bring success to this club and I mentioned earlier I've been part of it previously and I want more.
“For me, it's about looking forward and seeing how much we can achieve as a team, as a club, and I firmly believe that it's not far away.”
That belief is central to why extending his stay was such a straightforward decision.
“There wasn't much conversation at all about on my behalf on whether I want to stay for longer or not,” McLean says. “It was a very easy decision for me and my family.”
For the Scotsman, it was about more than just feeling settled here; he speaks positively about the people around the club, where Norwich City are heading and the feeling that things are building again.
“I think there's numerous things,” he says. “The place is incredible. the environment I find myself in every day with the staff and the players is great to be amongst.
“I think with the manager in charge now and everything that's going on round around the club, I think we are in a position to push on.”
Even now, after 310 appearances and years at the highest levels of the English game, McLean still talks like somebody learning, improving and searching for another edge.
“I feel as well as I ever have done within my body.
“When you get older that's a question mark that's always posed to you; how you're feeling,” he says.
“I think my availability shows where I'm at physically and I think the other side of my game I'm understanding more, working with the manager I'm continuing to develop, even at this age.
“I'm desperate to improve and help others around me and that's what I'll continue to do.”
There is one ambition he is more than happy to speak openly about.
“We're not going to shy away from wanting to be back in the Premier League,” he says. “So that's definitely a big one.”
McLean has already experienced what promotion with Norwich City feels like twice before and the desire to do it again remains as strong as ever, but club football is only part of the picture.
The last time Scotland made it to the World Cup, the midfielder was only six years old. Now, he is getting ready to head to North America, where he will lead the Tartan Army out on the biggest stage.
“I think it's the dream of any young kid to go and represent your country at a World Cup and I was no different,” he says.
“I'm in a very fortunate position that I get to play my football here every week and I get to showcase what I can do and thankfully that's given me the opportunity to go and represent my country on what’s going to be an incredible occasion.”
He understands the significance, too.
“It's been a long time, 28 years since Scotland have been there and I think we've the squad has progressed so much over the last few years to show that we can be more involved over the next few tournaments.
“But that might be a step too far for me in terms of my career and my age now, so this could be my last chance and I know that I'm not going to take anything for granted, but we want to go there and try and be as successful as we can.”