Shefki Kuqi admits he was surprised Blackburn sold him to Crystal Palace.
Shefki Kuqi admits he was surprised Blackburn Rovers were prepared to sell him to Crystal Palace.
The powerful striker has dropped down to The Championship after signing a three-year contract at Selhurst Park prior to the close of the transfer window.
Kuqi has cost Palace £2.5 million and the Finland international concedes he was not expecting to be shipped out of Ewood Park.
"In one way, I was surprised when I heard Blackburn were allowing me to leave," said Kuqi.
"Palace had been chasing me for a long time, but Blackburn had said consistently that they didn't want to sell me, but then they changed their mind.
"But I never thought I had to leave when Blackburn signed Benni McCarthy. I never worry about who else is in the squad because I always believe in myself."
The 28-year-old had joined Rovers on a free transfer from Ipswich Town last summer and scored seven goals in 15 Premiership starts.
Though Kuqi failed to establish himself with Mark Hughes' side, he remains confident that he can cut it in the top flight.
He added: "The hardest decision for me was to leave The Premiership, but I think I did as well as I could there, given the number of starts I had.
"People continue to ask whether I can do the business at that level and my answer is 'Yes, I can'.
"I believe I will be back in The Championship for one season only. Palace have the strongest squad in the league and I'm quite sure we can get ourselves back into The Premiership this time."
