(DENVER) -- The Denver Broncos introduced wide receiver Wes Welker on Thursday.  Welker agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with Denver on Wednesday and said it was difficult leaving Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

"Yeah, that was definitely probably the hardest part, leaving Tom," Welker said Thursday. "He's a great competitor, a great player, a great friend across the board. I wish the best to him."

The Patriots offered Welker a two-year, $10 million deal, but were unable to go the extra mile to keep him.

"I'm definitely excited about the opportunity," Welker said. "I'd definitely like to thank New England for the six years there and all the trust and everything they put in me, and the opportunities I got. I'm looking forward to being a Denver Bronco and really trying to help this team win, and getting to play with Peyton [Manning] and a good group of receivers, and a good offense."

Welker has 768 career receptions for 8,580 yards and 38 touchdowns during his nine year career.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio