Grady Diangana says sharing the experience of playing in the Premier League with his teammates will be ‘special’ as he looks forward to Albion’s top-flight campaign after committing his future to the Club.
The popular winger, who dazzled the Hawthorns faithful with a series of impressive displays during his loan spell last season has signed a five-year deal and is thrilled to have been given the chance to continue his development on the biggest stage.
The opportunity to do so with a manager he loves working for, teammates he feels a connection with, in an environment that brings out the best in him, means Grady cannot wait for Albion’s Premier League campaign to get underway in just more than a week’s time.
“I’m very happy. After last season and the joy that we had getting promoted, for me I am happy to be back here and it’s almost like unfinished business,” said Grady.
“I can’t wait to show what I can do and what this team can do in the Prem. It is exciting to be able to share the Premier League with the likes of Matheus (Pereira) and Matty Phillips and all the players. It is special because we created a bond together and hopefully we can do the same in the Premier League.
“I always heard there was interest, and rumours, but I didn’t hear until recently how much Albion were really interested in getting me, so when I found out it was exciting.
“It was special, on my first loan in senior football, for the way it turned out to be it was amazing. Playing with such great players and good people too, it just made my job a bit easier to express myself and show what I can do.
“I think I have developed so much in the last 12 months, I have learned a lot. I have been watching players around me and studied their game and how I can add bits to my game. It was all a learning process. I shocked myself. I am glad it turned out the way it did and hopefully I am looking forward to pushing on and improving more.
“Being here has brought out the best in me. Being able to connect with my teammates, sometimes we don’t even speak about it, it just happens on the pitch and when you get to that same wavelength it takes your football to another level.
“The team have welcomed me with open arms, the manager, the staff and everyone at the Club. Everyone is always nice to speak to, every morning they give you a hug and it makes you feel good and confident.
“I really do love working with Slaven and playing for him. He expresses himself to you and is always honest with you, and that brings out the best of you. It’s been a joy playing and working for him.
“I’m excited. Excitement brings confidence so I’m hoping to hit the ground running from the first minute of the season to be the best that I can be. In the Premier League, you have to be ready for every minute. You can’t not focus or not be ready because it’s one of the best leagues in the world, so you have to be ready.
“I’m looking forward to playing. Playing in the Premier League, playing with my teammates and creating good memories together and hopefully finishing as high as possible in the table.”
You can watch Grady Diangana's first interview as a permanent Baggie by clicking the play button in the bottom right corner of the image above.