Left-back discusses his move to The Hawthorns (FREE VIDEO)
SEBASTIEN Pocognoli has revealed how a chat with international pal Romelu Lukaku convinced him he was making the right move by joining Albion from Hannover 96.
The 26-year-old Belgium left-back completed his switch from the Bundesliga to the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.
Lukaku enjoyed a goal-laden loan spell with the Baggies during 2012/13 and told Pocognoli not to miss the opportunity to move to The Hawthorns.
In his first interview as an Albion player, Pocognoli, who has signed a three-year deal, plus a year's option in the club's favour, said: “My mate Romelu Lukaku played here.
“I’ve tried to follow him for the last two years.
“I know a little bit about the club and its history.
“I spoke to him and he’s the person who can give me the best of opinion of the club.
“He was very, very positive.
“He said that if I had the opportunity to come here then I had to.
“His experience here was great.
“He told me that his relationship with the supporters was very good.”
Pocognoli, who made his AZ Alkmaar debut against new team-mates Victor Anichebe and Joleon Lescott in a Europa League clash with Everton in 2007, says he is excited to have joined the Baggies.
"To play in England was always my dream," he added.
"I was always working towards that.
"I'm very happy to be here and I just want to prove my quality."
For the full interview, watch the video - aired on the club's YouTube Channel, Official Albion - below: