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.
