And the 35-year-old former Chelsea star has vowed to put his troubles behind him in a bid to resurrect his career.

Wise was sacked by Leicester after an incident which left team-mate Callum Davidson with a fractured cheekbone during a pre-season tour of Finland.

He said: "It hasn't been a wonderful time for me. The last eight weeks the press have had fun with me but that's over with.

"I regret things that have happened but it's time to move on.

"I don't like the way I'm portrayed in the press but I have to put up with it and it won't stop me playing football."

Leicester last week won the right to terminate his contract with two years still left to run.

Wise insisted that the incident with Davidson was behind him - and he had already shaken hands with the Scotland international.

"I shook hands with Callum the morning after the incident and I'm glad to see him back in the team. I'd like to wish him all the best," he said.

"There's no hard feelings. In life you forgive and forget and get on with what you have to do. I was brought up to believe you shake hands and put it behind you."

His signing is a boost to Millwall, who are struggling to match last season's success, when they reached the Nationwide Division One play-offs.

No gamble

Manager Mark McGhee denied that the signing was a gamble.

He said: "I've made it quite clear to Dennis we want him to come here and compete.

"He'll intimidate the opposition but, because of his reputation, it's got be controlled. I don't want him to miss half his games."

Wise will not wear the captain's armband at the New Den, where Stuart Nethercott retains the honour, but he insists he can lead his new club to promotion.

The former Chelsea captain said: "My ambition is to get promotion. We need to get into the play-offs. I feel confident I can play in this division. I think I can run a game, get hold of it and control it. I feel confident I can play in this division."

Wise is set to make his Lions debut against Coventry City at Highfield Road on Saturday.