Striker aiming to light up another of Europe's top leagues
MARKUS Rosenberg is relishing the Barclays Premier League challenge facing him after making his name in some of Europe’s biggest leagues.
The 29-year-old striker today became Albion’s fourth summer signing after putting pen to paper on a three-year deal.
And he is now hoping to become a Hawthorns hit by shining among England’s elite after racking up the goals in Germany with SV Werder Bremen, in Spain with Racing Santander and in Holland with Ajax.
“It’s nice to finally get the deal done,” said Rosenberg.
“I met Dan [Ashworth] a few weeks ago in Sweden and the head coach in Malmo during the pre-season tour.
“I had a lot of offers but I have never played in the Premier League.
“I have played in a lot of leagues – but not this one – and it was something I really wanted to try.
“Then I met both Dan and the gaffer and they both talked a lot about the system and how they want to use me.
“I also talked with Jonas Olsson a lot and he had positive things to say about the club.
“It was an easy decision in the end.
“It was always a dream to come here and it’s a great league for Swedish players as we grow up watching it.
“It’s also nice to have a fellow Swede here.
“He’s a good friend and comes from the same part of Sweden as me.
“We were also together at the European Championships recently.”
The 6ft1in ace, who was out of contract, arrives in England on the back of again firing double figures in a Bundesliga season with SV Werder Bremen.
But he admits, after not training since exiting the Euro 2012 with Sweden after the group stage, he will need time to catch up on his fitness ahead of the big opener against Liverpool on Saturday week (ko 3pm).
“Albion have a lot of good strikers, a fantastic team and good squad, so it’s looking good,” Rosenberg added.
“I like the way Albion play with the ball on the ground because you are always afraid some English teams play long balls.
“My game is best when the ball comes through the midfield and they try and find the strikers.
“I try to keep the ball on the ground and I’m pretty fast.
“I don’t like so many balls in the air but over the years I have become a better target player.
“In Spain I played No.10, in Germany we always play two strikers and I can play No.9.
“I can play almost anywhere.
“I’ve had six of seven weeks without football so I’m not as fit as the rest of the squad.
“I’m trying to keep up and hopefully I can be ready for the Liverpool game.”