Wilkinson is in his 11th season with the club he joined from school

The 28-year-old England fly-half signed a new two-year contract with the Premiership club earlier this week.

"I had a number of great opportunities available and I am in a very blessed position in that regard," he said.

Wilkinson revealed he spoke to "one or two" clubs, adding "ultimately it was a rugby decision and I feel Newcastle is a great club with a lot of ambition".

Before Wilkinson decided to stay at Kingston Park, former England skipper Lawrence Dallaglio criticised his loyalty to the Falcons and urged him to move to a club where he could win some silverware.

Newcastle, who finished ninth in the table last season, have not won the league since 1998 and their domestic cup wins in 2001 and 2004 are their only silverware since then.

I deeply connect being in this peaceful environment Newcastle fly-half Jonny Wilkinson

But far from being angry with Dallaglio, Wilkinson replied: "I thought it was a nice thing for Lawrence to say, in a strange sort of way, because I know he said it with my best interests at heart and that he cares about my well-being.

"Yes, he said what he said, but what I would maybe say in return is that if Lawrence had been at Newcastle for the same length of time that I have, then maybe he would see it more from my point of view."

Wilkinson said he is relishing his future with the Falcons.

"We're on the same page and it is a great feeling to be somewhere that is right for me both physically and mentally. My motivation is finding the best in me, my potential and my ability.

"I need to be somewhere where the conditions optimise that. That includes the coaching atmosphere, the players' relationships and the enjoyment level."

BBC Sport rugby commentator Brian Moore also admitted he would prefer to see Wilkinson tested in the Heineken Cup.

"It would be better for England if he were playing Heineken Cup. It's a higher level than the Guinness Premiership," Moore told 5 Live.

"I'd like to see Wilkinson in that environment and tested at a bigger club.

"On the other hand, if you're going to play him with maybe [Jamie] Noon, [Mathew] Tait and other players like that who are all together at one club, that helps."

Wilkinson joined Newcastle as an 18-year-old and admitted his lifestyle in the North East was a major factor in deciding to stay put.

606: DEBATE From what I know about Wilko, having followed his career since the 1999 RWC, I think loyalty, and friendship shaped his decision CS

"I deeply connect being in this environment and thrive on the ability to be quiet and peaceful," he said.

"I've found my balance of enjoying training and home life, where I am still full of energy while not being stressed or worried."

Wilkinson kicked the drop-goal that gave England victory in the 2003 World Cup final against Australia, but he said it played little part in his everyday life.

"People often talk about the 2003 World Cup, but since it happened it hasn't enriched my life at all," he insisted.

"It was fantastic to be part of, but once it was over it was over and you move on to the next game, the next experience."