TIM Ream admits he left Wanderers with a heavy heart – but is now looking forward to a new chapter in his career in the capital.

The US international officially signed for Fulham on Thursday in a deal worth £1.75million and was poised to make his debut in last night’s Capital One Cup clash with Sheffield United.

After turning down a move to QPR at the 11th hour to follow in the footsteps of fellow Americans like Brian McBride, Carlos Bocanegra and Clint Dempsey, Ream is eager to get his Craven Cottage career up and running.

But he admits it was a wrench leaving Bolton – his home since leaving New York in 2012 to play in the Premier League under Owen Coyle.

“Mixed emotions is a good way to describe it,” Ream told NBC. “When I left Bolton’s training ground on Thursday it was surreal. I spent the last three-and-a-half years there and it has been home.

“I’ve met a lot of good people and created a lot of good friendships. It was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make but it is an exciting time.”

Ream’s agent Patrick McCabe explained the reasons behind Ream’s late change of heart.

“QPR had been tracking Tim for some time and they had been diligent in making offers. Fulham had also expressed strong interest but took a little longer to formally make an offer. So we just were not sure how things would play out,” he explained.

“For weeks, it seemed like QPR was the only suitor and Tim would have been happy to join them. When Fulham entered the picture, we evaluated everything and Fulham seemed to be a better fit for his future.”