The goal that Hal Robson-Kanu scored against Belgium at the Euros, that goal that will certainly be nominated for the Puskas award, was more than enough to earn him a few calls from the biggest clubs in Europe. At the end it was West Bromwich Albion the club that took Kanu's services, but they weren't the only interested club. The striker only wanted to remain in the isles and he even rejected a call from Atletico Madrid.
Talking to Four Four Two, he said: “There were quite a lot of negotiations that took place and there were a number of opportunities for me abroad in Spain, Asia, Russia and America. But I had told my agent that I would love to play in the Premier League, so a lot of the interest from other countries got pushed aside. I had a desire to play in the top league in the world. I had my phone turned off because it was going mad – I was getting calls left, right and centre – so even if he had called me, I’d have missed it! Atletico are a massive football club, but my ambition was to play in the Premier League.”
“It’s a great club with a good manager who knows the league. I’ve been working hard in training, but I started the season quite late when I arrived, and it’s always difficult when that happens. I’m just waiting for my opportunity and looking forward to taking it. It should be every young footballer’s dream to play in the Premier League, and I’m grateful for the chance.”
Photo credit: Hal Robson-Kanu