Bakary Sako: I turned down Premier League clubs for West Brom and Darren Moore
New West Brom signing Bakary Sako says he turned down Premier League clubs to make the move to The Hawthorns - and admitted Darren Moore was a key factor in his decision.
The winger, who's signed up at Albion until the end of the season, could feature as soon as the Sheffield Wednesday game.
The 30-year-old left Crystal Palace at the end of last season - and claims he had interest from other Premier League clubs since leaving, but after hearing of Moore's interest he made up his mind straight away.
"A lot of Premier League clubs wanted me but as soon as I knew Darren wanted to see me I went to see him straight away and we clicked." he said.
“The way he manages players, the way he talks, he’s passionate and I love that, that’s why I came here.
“I’ve been here for two weeks, getting to know the boys and stuff and getting my fitness back. I’ve really enjoyed it and now I’m ready to crack on."
Sako already has a working relationship with Albion loanee Dwight Gayle from their time at Selhurst Park, and is now focused on breaking into the starting line-up under Moore.
He's also admitted that his aim is to help fire the Baggies back into the top flight.
"I knew the attacking players from before,"
“Obviously I’ve played with Gayley, who has always been a goalscorer, and I’ve been impressed with Jay in the way he’s playing and all the goals he’s scored. I’m looking forward to joining them.
“Yeah I’m really excited, and really looking forward to the challenge.
“When you’ve got competition in the team it gets the best out of you. Every player wants to play so they give their best and try to get in the team.
“I’m a very direct player. I’ve got a powerful left foot, I score goals and get some assists so hopefully I can help the team.
“I’ve been playing wide all my life, but last year I used to play as a striker and I really enjoyed it. I scored a few goals, created some chances so I don’t mind playing both roles now.
“We need to have consistency and you need to win a lot of home games, as well as getting your legs fresh to prepare for the next game because you have many, many games in this league.
“I think we just need to keep going and carry on the form that we are in at the moment.
“Yeah, I think this squad has enough to be promoted. That’s why I came here, to get back in the Premier League and to help the team get promoted again. I think we will do it.
“My main target is to help the team get back to the Premier League and I will give everything for that.”