West Bromwich Albion newcomer Sebastien Pocognoli has revealed that it was Romelu Lukaku who convinced him to fulfil his Premier League dream at The Hawthorns.
Left-back Pocognoli became new Baggies manager Alan Irvine's fourth signing when he arrived from Bundesliga outfit Hannover for a reported £1.5m on Saturday.
The 26-year-old, who has penned a three-year contract with the Midlands outfit, has said that it was the kind words of Belgian compatriot Lukaku, who scored 17 goals during the 2012-13 season on loan at West Brom from Chelsea, which persuaded him that Albion was the right English club for him.
"For me, England was always a dream," he told the Birmingham Mail. "I was always working for that experience. For sure the German league is also incredible so I had some good times there but I am very happy to be here. I want to prove my quality and do my best.
"I follow the Premier League so I know West Brom is a good club. My mate Romelu Lukaku played here before so I know a little bit about the club, the history. It's a good club, with a good image and for me it's exciting.
"I spoke to Romelu. He gave me the best opinion on the club. He was very positive and said to me that if I have the opportunity to go there then I should take it. His experience here was great. He scored a lot of goals, his relationship with the supporters was very good too."
Pocognoli has also previously played for Standard Liege and Genk, as well as Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar.
Joe Fish
