Ramage has agreed a three-year contract with QPR (Getty)

Peter Ramage has said leaving Newcastle United was one of the most difficult decisions he has ever had to make.

The 24-year-old has agreed a three-year contract with QPR in the hope of getting regular first-team football.

The defender told BBC Radio Newcastle: "It was probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make.

"I wasn't going to get guaranteed football at Newcastle which was tough to take but in the same breath I understand that."

The defender revealed he did not have to leave the club: "[Kevin Keegan] never took the offer of a contract off the table, he said until I sign somewhere else the offer was there.

"If worst came to worst, I always had Newcastle to fall back on, which I really appreciate."

It was a bit emotional on Sunday, leaving and saying goodbye to everyone Peter Ramage

Ramage played only a few minutes in his last game for the Magpies but he was truly grateful for Keegan's gesture.

"I can't thank him enough, he is a legend up in these parts and all I've ever wanted to do was to play for Kevin Keegan when I was growing up.

"It was a bit emotional on Sunday, leaving and saying goodbye to everyone."

The 24-year-old started his career at Newcastle in 1996 and admits the switch to the capital will be a little daunting.

"The decision to move down there was a difficult one because all I've ever known is the streets of Tyneside.

"It's a big old world down there but it's something I'm looking forward to.

"It's a fresh start, a fresh environment and hopefully I can settle down quite quickly."