Daniel Sturridge reveals why he left Liverpool for West Brom

The Liverpool striker had also been interesting Newcastle, Inter Milan and Sevilla, but the Baggies won the race for his signature securing the 28-year-old on a season-long loan

Tuesday 30 January 2018 09:47 GMT
Comments
Daniel Sturridge joined West Brom from Liverpool on Monday evening
Daniel Sturridge joined West Brom from Liverpool on Monday evening (West Bromwich Albion FC)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Daniel Sturridge has revealed he chose West Brom because the move felt like "the right fit".

The Liverpool striker had also been interesting Newcastle, Inter Milan and Sevilla, but the Baggies won the race for his signature securing the 28-year-old on a season-long loan.

Sturridge had fallen a long way down the pecking order at Anfield and, as a result of injury and subsequent non-selection, has not featured since the Champions League match with Spartak Moscow on December 6.

And he says a move back to the Midlands - the England international was born in Birmingham - is right for him at this stage of his career.

“This felt like the right fit,” he said upon signing on Monday evening. “I’ve got friends here I’ve played with before, the manager spoke very well, the challenge with the team and the style of play ... I just felt this was the right fit for me.”

It is understood the striker spoke with Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez, with the Magpies willing to pay the player's reported £125,000-a-week wages, but opted to join Premier League rivals West Brom instead.

Sturridge can also feature for Albion in the FA Cup, having not been involved for the Reds in this year's competition, and boss Alan Pardew couldn't be happier to have him on board.

“I hope our fans can understand that we are fighting to stay in the Premier League, not just on the pitch but in the market place as well,” he added. “This is a big coup for us and I speak for my staff and my players and say ‘thank you’ to Daniel for agreeing to assist us in League and Cup.

“He has fantastic talent and will strengthen our ambitions on both fronts.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in