The 24-year-old recently agreed to join London side QPR on a three year deal after learning that he was not part of manager Kevin Keegan's long-term plans.

The Ashington born defender told Newcastle United's official website: "All I ever wanted to do was play for Newcastle United and it was a dream come true when I made my debut against Olympiacos.

"I'm incredibly proud of what I have achieved at the club.

"It will be weird playing for another team because I've been with Newcastle for 13 years, but at the same time I'm very excited."

Ramage has had few opportunities under Sam Allardyce and Kevin Keegan through a combination of injuries and competition for places.

However, he said that he wasn't forced out of the club.

He told the the club's website that leaving his boyhood club, and a manager of Keegan's repute, and the fans was difficult.

"I'd like to thank the fans for their support over the last few years," he added.

"They really are the best in the world.

"When young lads come through they really look after you.

"Whenever you are out and about in town they always wish you well and they have been absolutely brilliant.

"But I'm one of them now and I'm going to try to get to as many matches as possible - I might even join the London supporters branch!"

The Ashington lad enjoyed a spell in the Newcastle first team under previous boss Glenn Roeder when the the backline was cursed with injuries.

After adapting quickly to Premiership football, he admitted that moving to London was a big step.

"Newcastle United is all I have ever known and it was the hardest decision of my life to leave," he said.

"But the chance to play regular football elsewhere was too hard to turn down.

"I sat down with the gaffer and he said I probably would get my chance next season but he could not guarantee it.

"I can't argue with that because the way the lads have been playing recently I don't think anyone can get in the team.

"I'm 24 years old and I have missed the last months of the season with injuryThat was very hard and I couldn't afford to miss another big part of a season."