LEO OSTIGARD is happy that he has joined a "prestigious club" in Napoli after his transfer away from Albion was sealed on Monday.

The defender spent the second half of last season out on loan with now relegated Genoa and did enough to attract interest from one of Serie A's biggest clubs.

Ostigard is now following in his idol's footsteps as he is now playing at the club where Italian World Cup-winning defender Fabio Cannavaro started his career.

In a press conference alongside Napoli chief executive Cristiano Giuntoli, Ostigard said: "I am very happy to be in Naples, in a strong team and in a prestigious Club.

"When I came to Napoli as an opponent, I was very impressed with the stadium, the fans and the city.

"Now I'm very happy to be able to play in blue.

"It's a big dream for me to play here.

"The goal is to win because Napoli is a top club, and ambition is always high."

The defender impressed during his time in Seria A last season and was one of the reasons Genoa's defence improved during the run-in.

Ostigard is now looking forward to the start of the season and has admitted he will be happy wherever manager Luciano Spalletti decides to play him in the backline.

He said: "I can play both on the left and right (side of the defence). The coach will decide."

The Norwegian faced Napoli last season in the Italian league and was on the wrong side of a 3-0 drumming that day.

One thing he has not forgotten was the task of marking Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The Nigerian forward is one of the most prolific in Italy and, according to Ostigard, the most challenging opponent he faced during the match.