Striker can't believe he has his own chant
SAIDO Berahino admits he is both surprised and delighted at how quickly Baggies fans have taken him to their hearts.
The 20-year-old has netted eight goals in all competitions this term and the Hawthorns faithful have rewarded him with his ‘Be-ra-hi-no’ chant to the tune of Depeche Mode’s ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’.
And the Albion Academy product says hearing supporters sing his name motivates him to give his all for the club.
“It has been a great journey for me so far,” said Berahino.
“I’m so happy.
“I’d really like to thank the fans.
“Hearing my name being chanted at games is an incredible feeling.
“I just want to carry on doing what I’m going and push even more.
“When they sing my name it gives me extra motivation.
“It gives me the energy to push even more.
“We’re all giving our all for the club and the fans because they always back us.
“I’ve had a taste of it on loan spells but if I’m honest I didn’t expect it to happen so fast at Albion.
“I hope I can score more goals for the supporters.”
Berahino was on loan at then-Championship outfit Peterborough when he suffered a season-ending knee injury just over 12 months ago.
And the Burundi-born striker says his only targets going into the current campaign were to stay fit and break into the first-team squad.
“I was just hoping to get in the squad,” he added.
“I was hoping I’d be able to contribute at some point.
“Everything has gone so fast in the last six months.
“It’s been an incredible journey and one I never want to end.
“It is a dream come true.
“I just want to keep on going and doing well.
“The only target I set out for myself at the start of the season was to remain injury free.
“I hoped the rest would take care of itself because I believe in myself and I believe in my ability.
“I know that if I work hard and remain professional I will achieve my goals.”
The youngster believes the arrival of Pepe Mel as Albion’s head coach will give all of the squad, himself included, something to prove.
“It’s not just me, I think the whole squad has a point to prove,” he added.
“There are places up for grabs in the starting XI and I don’t think anyone is guaranteed a start.
“We’re all battling to start and we all want to do well and start winning.
“We need to keep going and we need to ensure we finish the season on a high.
“The new gaffer has given everyone in the club a lift.
“We all want to impress him.
“We all want to do well and we all want to get behind him.
“It is a fresh start and a clean slate for everyone.
“We have healthy competition.
“You have to train well if you want to start.
“Nobody is guaranteed a start and the staff have made that clear.
“As a result, we all have to stay on our toes and perform well.
“When your chance comes you have to take it.”