I can’t believe that it’s been ten years.

I recently reflected on my playing career as I commenced my new role as manager of Swiss Promotion League side FC Tuggen. In doing so, the incredible dawned on me. It has been ten years since I made the move to England, signing for Blackburn Rovers from FC Basel.

So, how did the move come about? It had always been a dream of mine to play in England – especially the Premier League. I have been in love with the English game for as long as I can remember. I loved the intensity, the tempo and the quality on show every single week. I wanted to test myself against that quality and play the English style of football.

It could have so easily been different. Harry Redknapp wanted to take me on trial at Portsmouth in January 2007, however my manager at Basel – Christian Gross, once in charge of Tottenham Hotspur – refused to let me go. As a result, Portsmouth signed Djimi Traore from Charlton Athletic.

A week later, I received the call informing me that Blackburn Rovers were keen on taking a look at me. This time, I was allowed to go across to Lancashire for a week-long trial. Things went really well and by the end of the week the manager, Mark Hughes, wanted to sign me.

The move was set to be completed on the final day of the January 2007 transfer window – an event that has become known for its drama thanks to the way it is covered on broadcaster Sky Sports News.

Things went down to the wire. For my move to Blackburn to be completed, Jay McEveley’s medical at Derby County had to be completed successfully. One out, one in – that was the only way that my move to Blackburn Rovers would happen. With one hour left until the transfer window closed, I finally signed my Premier League contract, a two-and-a-half-year deal at Ewood Park.

Happy days! I was over the moon to join Blackburn. I knew upon signing that I was brought in as back-up for Stephen Warnock, but I was keen to take my chances when they presented themselves.

A few days later, Rovers visited Everton. Stephen was suspended for the game and I was named in the manager’s starting line-up, making my first Premier League appearance at Goodison Park. Whilst Blackburn lost the game 2-1, it was a match that I will never forget; a memory that I will treasure forever and experience that I was able to use throughout the rest of my playing career.

Remember to follow Bruno Berner on Twitter – @BrunoBerner