"I could have gone to a First Division club but Cardiff is a club with a lot of ambition. It's a club that doesn't want to hang about. I could have joined a club that was happy to sit in mid-table in the First Division but in my opinion joining Cardiff is far more exciting. I would rather join a club that's pushing for promotion. I tasted promotion at Blackburn when we went from the First Division to the Premiership two years ago and it's a fantastic thing to be involved in."
The midfielder signed for City this week but will only be registered on Friday. He will be eligable for all City's games this season exceot the last game at Crewe. Mahon was at Port Vale in midweek but like the fans, was denied the chance to see the team play becuase of the weather.
Mahon trained with Cardiff on Thursady for the first time and will train again on Friday in preparation for his debut on Saturday.
"Coming to Cardiff is a great challenge. I don't see why people should be surprised by the fact I've turned down First Division clubs to go to Cardiff. There's a great set-up at Cardiff now. I really believe playing for Cardiff is far more of a challenge. I've had a long time to think about the decision and I'm confident I've made the right decision.
"I was impressed with the manager and Sam Hammam. It was those two who convinced me to sign for the club. In fact, I was swayed after the very first phone call I had from Mr Hammam. He didn't pull any punches. He told me where he thought the club should be going.I was happy with what he told me."
Mahon has only one thing in mind now, Saturdays game
"It has been very frustrating at Blackburn. It's always frustrating when you're not playing. I'm sick of playing in the reserves. Players train all week with the aim of playing in the first team on Saturday. That hasn't been happening for me recently. But now that's going to change. Now I've got something to look forward to at the end of the week. I can't wait for Saturday. I can't wait to get stuck in. This move to Cardiff has really lifted me."