New Ipswich Town signing Ben Godfrey says he came to the Blues to help them stay in the Premier League - and he can't wait to learn from boss Kieran McKenna.

The versatile defender joined Town on loan for the rest of the season from Italian side Atalanta yesterday, having only signed for the Serie A outfit in the summer.

But his £11m move from Everton hasn't really panned out, with the 26-year-old only playing five times, all off the bench - and just once in the league, although he has featured in the Champions League.

Asked why he wanted to come to Suffolk - with a host of clubs, including Spurs, also said to be interested in him - he told Town TV:  "I’ve played against Ipswich over the years, so I obviously know about the size of the club and when I spoke to the manager, he really sold it to me and I’m looking forward to being part of this project.

“Before I spoke to him, I’d heard through football people that he was a great coach, a great manager.

“He’s got a great history in the game with coaching, coaching some great players and I think to have the opportunity to work under him is massive. I’m really looking forward to that.”

Ben Godfrey says it was the right time to return to England (Image: Ipswich Town/Matchday Images) The two-cap England international added: "In the Premier League, more so this season I’ve been watching you guys play and I think the boys have been strong.

“I think you can tell from watching the games that it’s a tight bunch, a bunch that is giving everything to try and stay in this league and for me to be a part of that, that’s great. We’ll do all we can to achieve that.

“I’ve been quite fortunate over my career so far to be a part of some good dressing rooms and I’m sure Ipswich will be exactly the same.”

While Godfrey admits he enjoyed the Italian experience - especially learning the language and the food - he stressed that it was a need to play and compete which has brought him back to England.

"There’s no league in the world like the Premier League,” he enthused. “It was a great experience going to Italy for my football, for me and my family, but to be back now in England, it’s really exciting and I just can’t wait.

“It was a massive change. It’s great learning a new language, it’s something I’ve always been fond of.

“Moving my family out there was good, they enjoyed the experience. Some different challenges come along with it but we felt as though it was time to come back to England and start a new challenge and I couldn’t be happier.”

Ben Godfrey cited the chance to work with Kieran McKenna as a major draw (Image: PA) He admitted: “There’s no shying away from the fact that it’s been difficult at times, I’ve not had much playing time and I think for me as a person games are so important.

"I look forward to going out there on a weekend or midweek and fighting for three points, that’s what I believe I’m built for.

“When that’s missing from your life, it’s difficult. That’s how the opportunity came to come on loan and what a great place to do that.

“I can’t wait to get my first session under my belt and then look forward to the next game.”

Of course, Godfrey knows Portman Road well, having played there in the East Anglian derby for Norwich in September 2018, a 1-1 draw.

And Godfrey, who got promoted to the Premier League with the Canaries in that 2018/19 campaign, said home games will be key for the Blues in the battle to stay in the top tier.

Godfrey got promoted to the Premier League with Norwich City (Image: PA Sport) “It’s a great stadium. As an away team, it’s difficult to come to, which this year is going to be vital for us.

"I think our stadium will probably help us get results that we need, so the fans will be massive and I’m looking forward to playing in it as an Ipswich player.”

Godfrey eventually left Norwich for Everton in October 2020, signing a £25m deal and playing more than 80 Premier League games for the Toffees.

So, what does he think he can bring to his new club, and what should Town fans expect of him?

Ben Godfrey played more than 80 Premier League games for Everton (Image: PA Sport) "I think firstly they can expect me to give 110 per cent every game, to try and achieve that goal of staying in the Premier League," he insisted.

“I think I’ll give an option of having some extra pace in the backline and I hope my attributes can help the boys this season.”

Of his goals for his stay in Suffolk, Godfrey said: “My aims are to be consistently playing football at a high level and to help Ipswich achieve the goal of staying in the Premier League for next season."