Nat Phillips admitted the idea of being “settled” at a football club was a huge contributing factor as to why he decided to join West Bromwich Albion.
The 28-year-old agreed a three-year deal on Monday, becoming the club’s first summer signing and ending a nine-year stay at Premier League champions Liverpool.
During his time with the Reds, Phillips had two separate loans at German side VfB Stuttgart and temporary stints at AFC Bournemouth, Celtic, Cardiff City and Derby County.
Now, the towering centre-back has an opportunity to force himself into Ryan Mason’s starting XI, build a permanent home and “develop a relationship with the club and the fans”.
Nat said: “A big factor in me coming here was the fact West Bromwich Albion is a big club with high aspirations. I would say those aspirations align with my own.
“Everyone at the club would like to see Albion pushing for promotion and competing for Premier League football and that’s the same as me.
“I’m really looking forward to the start of pre-season and getting going. As soon as I found out about the interest, I wanted to get up here and get going.
“Throughout my career I’ve always wanted to develop a rhythm and continue to play week in, week out. I feel like I did that in the second half of last season, and I want to continue that rhythm and try to take that into the season coming up.
“Settled is a key word for me. I’ve had a number of loans over the past few years and it’ll be really nice for me and my family to go somewhere and know we’re staying there to develop a relationship with the club and the fans.”
Bolton-born Phillips prides himself on his defending, but also stated Albion supporters can expect to see him enjoying being on the ball at the back.
“I see my job, first and foremost, as keeping the ball out of the goal and being a defender before anything else.
“I’m committed when I’m doing that and I’m not afraid to get myself hurt.
“I also enjoy the in-possession side of the game, though, and I’m comfortable with the ball at my feet.
“I want to show the fans what I can do and I’m really excited to get going now the deal has been completed.”
Watch the full WBA TV interview below.
