Ronan Curtis remembers the days when Pompey were a top Premier League outfit.
And after officially completing his switch to Fratton Park – subject to receiving international clearance – he is looking to help them continue on the journey back up the leagues.
A two-year deal with the forward was agreed last month and Curtis played his final match for League of Ireland outfit Derry on Friday evening.
Now his focus is firmly on helping the Blues achieve success – whatever position he is asked to perform in.
The 22-year-old said: “I needed to forward my career and this is a big, big club, so I wanted to come here and see what it’s all about.
“I remember when Harry Redknapp was here and brought in players like Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe.
"I needed to forward my career and this is a big, big club."
“Now I’m looking forward to getting started and will try my best to keep doing what I do best – and hopefully help Pompey get promoted.
“I’m a natural striker, but I’ve been used on the left because of my energy, power and pace, and I don’t complain because I just want to play.
“I’ve got an eye for goal and haven’t been doing badly of late, while I’ve got all-round attributes to offer.”
Curtis is also hoping that his form for Pompey next season will help to earn more Republic of Ireland international recognition.
He said: “I’ve got five caps for the under-21s now and hopefully I can progress into the senior team, but we’ll have to wait and see.”