Rosenberg: Premier lure tempted me

Albion new-boy Markus Rosenberg today revealed that the lure of the Premier League was too strong to turn down.

The 29-year-old Sweden international signed for the Baggies yesterday on a three-year deal after his contract with German side Werder Bremen expired in the summer.

And after playing in top-flight Dutch, German and Spanish football, the striker is relishing the chance to test himself in England alongside friend and international team-mate Jonas Olsson.

“It was an easy decision in the end,” said Rosenberg.

“It was always a dream to come here and it’s a great league for Swedish players as we grow up watching it.

“It’s also nice to have a fellow Swede here. He’s a good friend and comes from the same part of Sweden as me.

“We were also together at the European Championships recently. I had a lot of offers but I have never played in the Premier League.

“I have played in a lot of leagues – but not this one – and it was something I really wanted to try.

“Then I met both Dan Ashworth and the gaffer and they both talked a lot about the system and how they want to use me. I also talked with Jonas Olsson a lot and he had positive things to say about the club.”

Rosenberg and Olsson watched last night’s friendly victory at Walsall from the stands at the Banks’s Stadium with the new recruit playing catch-up after missing much of pre-season.

But he still hopes to be fit to challenge for a place against Liverpool in the Premier League opener on August 18.

“I’ve had six of seven weeks without football so I’m not as fit as the rest of the squad,” he admitted.

“I’m trying to keep up and hopefully I can be ready for the Liverpool game.”