By Paul-Andre Walker, Staff Reporter

Jamaica's Khari Stephenson. - Ian Allen

The UEFA Cup beckons for Jamaican international Khari Stephenson after his record signing to AIK Stockholm.

Stephenson completed a US$1 million transfer from Gais to the number one club in Sweden giving him the opportunity to run out against the best in Europe this season, after they finished second in the Swedish Premier League last time out.

While he eventually signed the deal, the burly midfielder, who can expect a signing fee, appearance bonuses at the end of the season and a mandatory increase every year for the next four years, explained that he wasn't sure he would have made the move and thought about waiting for better opportunities.

"I was in two minds," Stephenson told Star Sports in a telephone interview from Stockholm last night.

"One was to wait until the summer to see if something comes outside of Sweden (or stay)."

However, the chance to play in a European competition swayed the Jamaican and he signed the papers last Thursday after a highly publicised month-and-a-half long negotiation period between the clubs.

"This is the biggest team in Sweden and they average 22,000 fans and I like that. They were second in the Premier League last year. It is a much more professional club and many players move from here to bigger clubs and my football is still improving," explained Stephenson.

"I am looking forward to playing in Europe. As a footballer you have two goals once you play for big teams. One is to play in the World Cup and two is to play in the Champions League and this (UEFA Cup) is just a step below. This will mean more exposure and more opportunities for that to happen," Stephenson added.

Football history

With Stephenson commanding one of the largest transfer fees in Swedish football history, the European media have been asking him if he feels pressure to perform.

Ahead of his first training session today, Star Sports asked him the very same question.

"I'm not worried about it. It's a new chance to impress and move on again. I know many players in my position would be worried and should, but for some reason I'm very relaxed," said Stephenson.

At the same time that Stephenson was making history, another Jamaican was making the trek from the United States to Europe with a view to continuing his professional career.

Shavar Thomas is now in Sweden on a one-week trial with IFK Gothenburg, another team with real history, having played in the Champions League and UEFA Cup.

As for Stephenson, the midfielder, known for having a rocket of a shot with both feet, says the Swedish experience, while not expected to be a long-term one, has had its benefits.

"I am becoming more and more confident. I've realised that playing and trying not to make any mistakes like I have been has meant that I don't get into the game enough and my influence doesn't show as much," he said.

Fitting into a new club always takes time but Stephenson says this time around he'll be having fun doing it.

"I asked the coach what my role was expected to be here and he said his team lacks that person who will attack through the midfield, dribble and take shots. That's what he wants from me," said Stephenson.

"Every player likes to attack rather than defend and while I'm comfortable doing both in midfield, I think I have more fun when I get to attack more," he added.