Filip Krovinovic owes debt of gratitude to West Brom boss Slaven Bilic

Having impressed while on loan from Benfica last season, Bilic made it clear all summer he wanted to resign Krovinovic for the 2020/21 campaign.

After drawn out negotiations, the midfielder finally rejoined the Baggies in another loan deal on September 29.

And Krovinovic has thanked his boss for sticking to his word and bringing him back to England so he can showcase his talents in the Premier League.

“I was talking a lot during the transfer window with the gaffer, with the assistant coaches, with the players at West Bromwich,” the Croatian said. “They said we’re going to do it, this deal.

“I was also speaking with the people from Benfica – they were pushing for that.

“I can say now, in this interview, a thank you to all the people for that, especially the boss Slaven – he’s given me an opportunity to be in the best league in the world. It’s every kid’s dream.”

While Bilic has now signed Krovinvoic twice for Albion, the midfielder revealed he also tried to sign him during his spell in charge of Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad.

“Before my first year here I had some contact with him (Bilic),” Krovinovic said.

“He had an interest to bring me to Saudi Arabia. I wanted to go, but Benfica didn’t let me.

“From that day we kept in contact. He said if I stay here or go somewhere else, I’ll keep in contact.

“It’s always good to have a relationship with the manager like that, especially if you can give that back on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Albion’s Callum Robinson was forced to sit out the Republic of Ireland’s clash with Wales yesterday.

Robinson was deemed to have been in close contact with a team-mate who returned a positive Covid-19 test on Friday.

It could mean he miss Ireland’s game against Finland on Wednesday as well.