YOUSSOUF Mulumbu was certainly a firm fans' favourite during his six seasons at West Bromwich Albion.

Any footballer who plays 200-plus matches in one club's colours usually builds a close affinity with its supporters, and for the DR Congo international it was no different.

"I just want to say thank you to all of the fans," were his words when the Baggies announced that they weren't going to take up a 12-month option on his contract last month.

"They have always been behind me, supported me, sang my song. Even if they criticised me, I always felt it would help me improve my game."

It wasn't just those in the terraces who rated him highly either; Mulumbu played a part under seven different managers and head coaches at the Hawthorns after joining from Paris St Germain initially on loan in January 2009.

Tony Mowbray was the man who brought him to England but it was his successor Roberto di Matteo who rubberstamped a bargain £175,000 permanent deal the following summer.

Mulumbu's influence grew and he was vital performer for Albion that season, playing 40 times in the league as di Matteo led them to the Championship title.

He quickly proved that he could do the business at a higher level, finishing the 2010-11 Premier League campaign as the Midlands' club's second top scorer, and most significantly, earning both the fans' and players' Player of the Season awards.

The 28-year-old signed a new deal in July 2013 and made 21 appearances last season on top of captaining his country in the African Cup of Nations in January.

Mulumbu was born in Kinshasa but moved to France shortly afterwards, joining Paris's academy at the age of 13.

He signed his first professional deal with the French giants in 2006 but found opportunities difficult to come by after Paul Le Guen replaced Guy Lacombe as manager and a loan spell with Amiens SC preceded his move to England.

Mulumbu will follow ex-teammate Graham Dorrans in making the move to Carrow Road, while he is also reunited with Dean Kiely, who served as a player and staff member during his time at the Hawthorns.

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

IN-DEPTH PROFILE: YOUSSOUF MULUMBU

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