YOUSSOUF Mulumbu says Alex Neil was the driving force behind his decision to join Norwich City on a two-year deal earlier this month after leaving West Bromwich Albion.

The 28-year-old midfielder completed a switch to Carrow Road on July 1, having made 151 Premier League appearances for the Baggies across a six-and-a-half year spell at The Hawthorns.

Speaking exclusively to canaries.co.uk, Mulumbu said: "When I spoke with the Club, I was really impressed and had no doubts about joining.

"The most important thing for a player is to be wanted by a coach, and he was the biggest reason behind me coming here. I'm looking forward to working with him and seeing how he wants me to play, because I'm a tactical player.

"He [Alex Neil] is a passionate man who likes football, and I wanted to come to a good team who work hard. I saw Graham [Dorrans] enjoyed his time here, so there were no doubts it was the right move for me.

"The best thing is to stay in the Premier League because everyone knows it's the best league in the world. Norwich were in the division two years ago, so we have experience in the squad which we'll need to have a good season."

A highly-popular figure with the Albion fan-base throughout his time in the West Midlands, the DR Congo international is eager to start building a similarly positive relationship with City's supporters.

Mulumbu can already draw upon the experience of playing at Carrow Road, having featured at the stadium for his former side in two of the past three seasons, and added: "My big memory is when we [West Brom] lost 4-0 away two years ago and the Norwich crowd were absolutely terrific.

"I remember we couldn’t talk on the pitch because there was so much noise. For me, the fans are really important because they drive you on; they can be the twelfth man.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back to what I do, and to be playing at Carrow Road. I'm 100 per cent confident it's going to be a great season for myself and Norwich.

"We've had two weeks training together and I've seen the quality we have. As a new player, I'm looking forward to showing what I can do to the coach and to my teammates.

"I had six or seven years at West Brom, but now I have a new challenge and new ambitions to win my position here and keep it. That's going to drive me forward and make me step up my game in order to improve again."

MEET MULUMBU!
Secure your tickets for our special Carrow Road 80th anniversary pre-season dinner in the Norfolk Lounge on July 29. Youssouf Mulumbu and the rest of the first-team squad, along with manager Alex Neil, will be there. Don't miss out!

BOOK HERE

YOUSSOUF MULUMBU: EXCLUSIVE FIRST INTERVIEW

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