"I think I have improved every year in the Premiership and I want to keep on getting better. I want my best three years to be at Blackburn," said Savage on leaving Birmingham and arriving at Blackburn.
"People forget I am taking better free-kicks and scoring goals. That never gets mentioned because of all the other stuff. I don't think I can ever change my image. It wouldn't make a difference even if I scored 50 goals. I just enjoy playing football and getting booed at every ground in the country. It's something you live with and rise above. It just makes me try harder."
Savage revealed that he lure of playing for one of his boyhood heroes was crucial in making his mind up to leave Birmingham:
"I was just 13 when I went to United for training. It was such a thrill to meet a legend like Mark, who like me is from Wrexham. He is a manager I would run through brick walls for. He was my idol as a schoolboy and I have had the chance to play with him and for him for my country - and now for my club."
Hughes also remembered the meeting but his memory is less kind:
"I remember Robbie when he was 13, he had an even worse hairstyle than he has now and he also had a big nose."
Hughes added: "He was part of a group of young players that the seniors knew all about. They were exceptional. If they had not been in that group he would probably still be at Manchester United."