West Bromwich Albion

Saido Berahino: 'Past year has been most difficult of my career'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 20 November 2016

Saido Berahino admits that the past year has been the "most difficult" of his career as intense transfer speculation left him feeling depressed and struggling for focus.

West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino has described the past year as the "most difficult" of his career.

The 23-year-old has not featured for the Baggies since September 10, and was sent to train in France by manager Tony Pulis earlier this month in an effort to regain match fitness.

Berahino has claimed that intense transfer speculation has left him feeling depressed and struggling for focus, and has thanked the club for their continued support during his period of "turmoil".

"I have had a good, constructive talk with Tony Pulis and the club's senior management and we all agree this is the best way forward for me," Berahino said in a statement released on the club's website.

"This last year has been the most difficult of my career and it has left me short of the form and fitness required for the Premier League.

"I have never been a player who lacked confidence or a belief in himself but that has been where I have found myself and it has hit me hard. It has left me feeling depressed and struggling for focus which has made it even more difficult to regain full fitness.

"Constant speculation in the media doesn't help and I have made this statement in the hope that it will respect my privacy and determination to get my career back on track.

"I want to thank the club for its support throughout what has been a period of turmoil for me. It may not have always seemed as if I have appreciated the efforts of everyone here to help me but believe me, I do."

Berahino is in the final year of his contract at The Hawthorns.