GMS’S heart guided him to Tynecastle
Gary Mackay- Steven insists his move to Hearts ticked all the boxes after admitting that he was not short of offers.
The winger sealed his return to Scotland late on Friday after penning a two- and- a- half year contract at Tynecastle.
Mackay- Steven had been linked with a move back to Aberdeen, the club he left in summer 2019 to join MLS outfit, New York City.
Even though Hearts are currently in the Championship, the 30- yearold insists the club’s stature, manager Robbie Neilson’s plans for the future and the prospect of playing in front of the passionate Jambos support, convinced him that moving to Gorgie was the right option
Mackay- Steven, who was a teammate of Neilson’s at Dundee United, said: “It’s a great feeling, seeing the stadium and knowing that I’m a Hearts player. I just can’t wait to get going.
“Hearts got in contact with my agent, and I’m just happy to be home, back in Scotland, first and foremost.
“It was really a no- brainer once I heard from the manager, and seeing his plan and vision for the club.
“I know myself how big a club it is. I just couldn’t wait to be here.
“There were some offers, but I’d kind of known the manager. I spoke to him and he showed his plan for Hearts.
“I also knew from playing here
what the supporters are like, what the stadium is like and it’s an amazing place.
“You want to be part of that. To have that opportunity now, it just feels right. It’s a bit of everything but I’m certainly excited.”
Mackay- Steven, a three- time league winner with Celtic, admits Neilson’s presence in the dugout was another factor in joining.
He added: “I had played with him briefly, and I had been watching from afar.
“I know he’s done a great job everywhere he’s been.
“It was a brief period I played with him, but he’s so knowledgeable, knows the game inside out, and I saw him as a leader and manager.
“It’s no surprise how he has gone on and done so well.
“The opportunity to come in and work with him is a nice feeling, and it’s a good fit being here at Hearts.”
Mackay-steven left the Dons for the Big Apple 18 months ago, and insists he loved his time on the other side of the Atlantic, despite the pandemic wreaking havoc last season.
The Scotland cap played in 39 games and scored three goals.
He added: “It was brilliant. I have no regrets. It was a great place to be, and the football was great as well, totally different from what I was used to.
“Until you go, you maybe don’t realise the travel involved, and how big a country America is.
“You’re flying here, there and everywhere.
“Last year was different, as it was everywhere in the world with the pandemic.
“But it was brilliant over there, and I’m leaving one great city for another great city.
“I love travelling, and I wanted to sample other stuff. But it’s nice to feel at home.
“I’m looking forward to getting started because I still feel I have so much to offer.”
Speaking to Hearts TV, MackaySteven added: “I want to get integrated into the squad, get to know the boys and get Hearts promoted.
“That’s everyone’s aim, to get back into the Premiership. That’s Hearts’ rightful place.
“With the team we have here, there is no reason we can’t kick on and win trophies.
“There is still much more to achieve.”