African star ready to light up the Premier League at Crystal Palace

Morocco international Chadi Riad believes that he has found a good fit at Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace announced the signing of Riad on a five-year contract in June and he says that the club are a great fit for him.

Premier League new boy out to impress

“I was really interested in coming here because of the history that the club has, because of the league in which the club plays,” Riadi told Showmax.

“I learnt a lot this year about how the club plays its football, and I think it perfectly complements the way I play my football. And for the fans too, and above everything else, the interest that the club has shown in me since the beginning. I feel at home and that is why I am here.”

Riuad says that Playing in the Premier League is a dream come true.

“I’d simply say that since I was a child I had already dreamt of playing in the Premier League, as you can see it is the best league in the world, with players of an excellent level and so I am very eager to come and play in this league.”

Enjoy it like a child

Riad worked with former Man City boss Manuel Pellegrini at Betis but hasn’t spoken to the coach about his Premier League move.

“No, honestly regarding the Premier league, I haven’t spoken to the coach about it. But it is true that he has shown me 100% support for the new adventure that I was going to take.

“But I have spoken to Pablo Fornals, who played in the Premier League with Marc Roca, and they told me it was very good. That I was going to enjoy it like a child.”

Riad insists that he gives his all on the pitch but makes sure that he stays calm and does his job.

“I describe myself as a calm but strong footballer,” he added

“An aggressive footballer who knows how to think, who does not get carried away by the tension of the moment, intelligent, and I think I can fit in perfectly into Crystal Palace.

“The truth is that Crystal has had high level players who are very young, and I have come here to follow the same trajectory. To grow as they have grown.”

He is excited to test himself against the best players in the world.

Riad said: “In a league like the Premier League, all the forwards are top, they are at a high level. But they are players like Haaland for example. Forwards for big teams. I am excited to come up against players like these.”

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Sign up for the Showmax Premier League mobile plan for R69 p/m at www.showmax.com  for all the Premier League action.   

Who will win the Premier League?

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