New Oakland Raiders signing Justin Tuck has revealed that he cannot wait to start the new chapter of his career having agreed to a two-year deal with the franchise on Thursday.

Tuck said that he did not know of the Raiders' interest until a few days ago, but that they sold the franchise to him and working with general manager Reggie McKenzie was a big positive.

"Last week, I absolutely did not see it coming," he told the club's official website. "It wasn't necessarily on my radar at that point in time, but everything accelerated pretty quickly, and I'm excited. I really am.

"I like the direction that this team is talking about going in, and I just want to be a part of it. Obviously, everyone knows the history of the Raiders, and I just want to be a part of the group that brings it back.

"I think the appeal was knowing what Reggie had done in the previous spots he has been at. He has a true, honest feeling about him. The appeal is young talent needing leadership and the feel is just the opportunity to start fresh."

Tuck played for the New York Giants for nine seasons before his release this month.