Erik Pieters confirms he is ‘ready to go’ after completing West Brom transfer
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West brom have completed the signing of Erik Pieters on the eve of their derby clash with Birmingham City.
The Baggies have continued their additions beyond the summer transfer window, snapping up Pieters on a free transfer.
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Hide AdThe 34-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Burnley in the summer folllowing a three-year spell, making 56 league appearances.
Pieters made his name at PSV and then Stoke City, earning 18 caps for the Netherlands during that time, between 2008 and 2014.
The left-back has been a reliable figure at his previous clubs, and he still feels he has plenty to give as he signs up at The Hawthorns at 34.
“It means to a lot to have signed here,” he told the club’s official website.
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Hide Ad“Everyone knows I have been a free agent for a little while so I have been working really hard at home to keep myself in shape.
“I’ve finally found a club and I want to prove myself and show what I still have in me.
“It’s down to me to prove that I’m worthy of being signed here and that I still have what it takes to play at this level of football. I’m confident I can do that.
“I’ve been training here for a while now, maybe six or seven weeks. It doesn’t feel like I’m new or that I’m walking into a new group, which is really helpful.
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Hide Ad“I’ve really enjoyed being here. From the first day I walked in the lads have been great with me and I’ve had a really good relationship with the manager.
“I feel really at home here and really happy to be here.
“The manager and his coaching staff seem to love the experience that I have because they know I’ve played in the Premier League for so many years.
“It’s hard not having a club over the summer but I’ve been working so hard to keep myself fit. I wanted to be in a position where I was ready if a club wanted to sign me, rather than sign and then have to get up to speed.
“It’s just how I am, I love to be in shape and be ready all the time.
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Hide Ad“I still love the game. When my body is telling me that it can’t handle it anymore then that’s when I’ll have to think about what the future holds, but I still feel great. I’m ready to go.”
Pieters has signed a one-year deal with West Brom.
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