Pedro Obiang’s determination – along with that of his wife – has been the key to his second season success at the club and he is ready to fulfill his Premier League dreams with us.

Despite saying he would one day hope to play in Italy again that is some time hence and he can’t wait to be back on the field in the claret and blue.

Speaking to Blowing Bubbles Monthly he said: “I spoke many times to my Mrs when I first arrived. I told her we needed to be strong because maybe I wouldn’t play for three or four months but if she could help me maybe we would be happier, I wanted to come to the Premier League and London is an amazing city.

His forecast proved spot on and after a difficult first season he had broken through as a leading contender for Hammer of the Year this season before injury.

He said: “Here everything is different. However I wanted to come to the Premier League and London is an amazing city.”

Of his breakthrough he said: “I think it’s because I know the league and my team-mates better. Last season I arrived after playing eight years in Italy with the same club. It was easy then.

“I came here for new dreams, a new team, a new stadium and everything was different. The first impact wasn’t big but now it’s really different.

“I know everything better, the people know me, my team-mates give me space and because of that I think I have become a better player.