And attacking midfielder is settling in well at Albion
MORGAN Amalfitano insists he still has plenty to prove to Albion supporters – despite winning the Zoopla Player of the Month award for September following a fans’ poll.
The 28-year-old winger has been involved in all of the Baggies’ last six goals – scoring twice – including an unforgettable strike at Old Trafford.
And the France international, who is enjoying a season-long loan at The Hawthorns with a view to a permanent deal, hopes to impress further in the Baggies’ upcoming fixtures.
“It is always a pleasure to arrive and be able to perform well straight away,” said Amalfitano.
“I got a really good feeling as soon as I arrived at the stadium and I could feel the support from the fans.
“I needed to do my best to thank them by doing well on the pitch.
“I have been thinking about coming to the Premier League for a few years and now I am very happy to be here.
“Now I really want to think about my career and carry on in the best way possible.
“I have progressed in my career because I have learned from each club I have played for - and Marseille is a big club.
“But at the same time playing in England is different as well, and I have to prove myself again to everyone.
“My move here is a continuation of my career.
“I’m having to perform at my best as a professional.”
Amalfitano says his goal against Manchester United is one of the best of his career – but admits every goal he scores for the club will make him just as happy.
“It was a great satisfaction but I don’t want to linger on that,” he added.
“I want to carry on and score more goals, and each goal I score will make me as happy.
“It is obviously one of the nicest goals I have scored.
“I have scored some other nice goals but that was one of the best.
“But the most important thing is to do well here and feel good, which is the case.
“It is a very good collective so it is a good, strong team.”
The Nice-born player has now been joined in England by his wife, who is pregnant with their third child, and two young daughters.
And Amalfitano, who insists home life will play a key role in him settling at The Hawthorns, is pleased with how his family have adapted to a new country.
“I came here with my family and my children are going to school," he said.
“My wife is pregnant and I’ve got two daughters, aged six and four.
“They will probably end up teaching me English at home!
“They are all settling progressively.
“It is for the best, really, because it’s important for my football.
“When the time comes, why not stay?
“All of the team, with different players from different countries, have welcomed me and I thank them for that.
“I am enjoying it and it feels good.”