DALLAS (AP) — Michael Young says he’s ready for a different challenge in Philadelphia after spending the first 12 seasons of his career with the Texas Rangers.

Young says it was an easy decision from a baseball perspective. He wanted to go to the Phillies to be their everyday third baseman.

Speaking publicly for the first time since waiving his no-trade clause and the deal being completed, Young said goodbye Monday to Rangers fans and spoke about how much he would miss his teammates.

Young has played all 1,823 of his major league games for Texas and is the franchise leader in games played and hits. He is a .301 career hitter and a seven-time All-Star.

Over the past two seasons, Young has been a designated hitter and played all four infield positions.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)