Former West Brom striker Saido Berahino: No scapegoats in Belgian football

The 26-year-old left the Baggies for Stoke in 2017 and struggled during his two-year spell at the club.

He joined Belgian First Division side Zulte Waregem in the summer and in an interview with TalkSport he says he is happy with his ‘second chance.’

“The coaching is a bit different here, there’s no scapegoat and no-one to blame,” he said.

“It was difficult for me at Stoke because I was brought for a lot of money.

“There was a lot of quality individual players, we should never have got relegated, it was embarrassing.

“The people here in Belgium are totally different, they’re not driven by what’s happening in the media.

“Most of the things were self inflicted by me (in England), I was going through a lot.

“I struggled alone and I needed a break, that’s why I came here.

“Coming to training I was miserable, I was in a very dark place.

“I call this a second chance for me, it’s a totally different lifestyle.

“Sometimes I don’t want to go back to England."

In August former Stoke team-mate Glen Johnson hit out at Berahino for his attitude, admitting that he didn't like the striker.

In response Berahino said it 'hurt' to hear those comments.

“I was a bit disappointed for him to come out and say this," he said.

“He sat next to me in the changing room.

“A lot of things have been said outside the Stoke changing room.

“Everyone had a part to play and it was frustrating for me to see people used as a scapegoat.

“Something was not right.

“No disrespect to Stoke, you can see where they are now, it’s not one person.

“For him to say what he said, it hurt me deep inside.

“I’m not going to dwell in that, I’m enjoying my life where I am.

Berahino also said he wouldn't rule out a return to England.

“Definitely, that’s where I learnt my trade and where it started," he added.

“I would love to play at the highest level possible.

“Premier League has been the best league for me, that Saturday morning feeling, I’ve missed that.

“But I’m enjoying what’s in front of me and cherishing every moment.

“Who knows what the future holds.”