Branislav Ivanovic sets a new challenge with West Brom
He has won it all in a glittering club career.
But new Albion recruit Branislav Ivanovic still feels he has a point to prove in the Premier League.
The Serbian has a remarkable CV having won three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the Champions League and the Europea League in his time with Chelsea.
He then moved to Zenit Saint Petersburg where he twice won the Russian Premier League as well as the Russian Cup.
A player Slaven Bilic had tried to sign multiple times before, the head coach finally got his man earlier this month when Ivanovic joined the Baggies on a free transfer.
The Serbian then impressed on his debut against Brentford in the League Cup.
Ivanovic wasn’t risked against former side Chelsea on Saturday – a match the Baggies drew 3-3.
But he could make his Premier League bow for the club at Southampton on Sunday. And Ivanovic says his successful past won’t count for anything when he is representing Bilic’s side.
“Of course I had a career with Chelsea but now I am in a new beginning,” he said.
“I need to first of all work hard and make sure I am ready for the Premier League.
“The Premier League is the best and toughest league in the world. It is the strongest league in the world.
“I need to challenge myself and make sure I am ready for the challenge.
“When you are a player you always find a motivation and you always find something deep inside yourself.
“I have a lot of ambition and I want to prove a lot of things.
“So first of all I need to work hard, believe and try to give everything for the team and the club to be a success.”
Ivanovic admitted Bilic was a big factor in his move to The Hawthorns.
“I know Slaven from before,” he continued.“He is amazing and I hope together we are going to be a success. He understands football and is a guy who everyone wants to play for.”
Meanwhile, Kamil Grosicki and Kenneth Zohore have both been linked with moves away from The Hawthorns.
According to Polish news outlet Meczyki, Nottingham Forest have reignited their interest Grosicki.
It is believed Sabri Lamouchi tried to sign the winger from Hull back in January – with the 32-year-old instead opting to join the Baggies.
But the 75 cap Poland international hasn’t featured in Albion’s last three squads.
And that has led to speculation the Baggies may be willing to cash in on him.
Zohore – the Express & Star understands – has been made available for transfer.
And according to reports, Sheffield Wednesday are keen to sign the 26-year-old – who has also been linked with Middlesbrough. It is believed Wednesday have made a loan offer to Albion that would see them pay a substantial portion of Zohore’s wages.
