Chadli reveals the part Poco played in his decision
NEW signing Nacer Chadli has settled into life at Albion and insists the club's strong desire to sign him was behind his decision to switch to The Hawthorns.
Chadli joined the Baggies from Tottenham Hotspur last week for an undisclosed fee and went on to make his non-competitive debut in last weekend's international friendly victory over Delhi Dynamos.
The versatile forward, 27, is now preparing to make his Premier League bow at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday (ko 3pm).
Asked how he has settled into his first week at the club, Chadli said: "Very good, I've trained with the lads and felt very good.
"It's a good group and we've done some good training. So far, so good.
“I had a few clubs interested but West Brom came very quickly and they showed concrete interest and wanted to make it happen.
“I thought if they really want me, it’s important for me to go there and prove myself.
“That’s why I chose West Brom.”
Chadli's decision to join Albion was also influenced by close friend and compatriot Sebastien Pocognoli, who departed the club on loan for Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion on deadline day.
The pair are both from the Liege area of Belgium and grew up playing together in their early years before again being reunited at international level.
And Chadli has revealed the part Poco played in convincing him that Albion was the place for him.
"I spoke a bit to Pocognoli who was here, he was very positive about the club," said Chadli. "I spoke to the manager and the good people at the club, and I was very convinced about my choice.
"I’ve known Sebastien for a long time, ever since I was 12 years old back in Standard Liege, he’s from my hometown.
"He played until he was 15 or 16 and then he went to another club. He was two years older than me so I was not playing in the same team but I know him from then.
"It was good catching up because also he was with the national team as well. It was good too see him. We did some free-kick drills together, it was fun."