Zigic delighted with move

Zigic: Pleased with Blues switch

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New Birmingham striker Nikola Zigic admits he is delighted to have completed his switch to St Andrews.

The 29-year-old moved to the Blues in a deal worth £6million this week from Valencia, signing a four-year contract with the Midlands outfit.

Zigic spent last season on loan at Racing Santander in the Spanish Primera Division, and his form in front of goal steered the club away from relegation.

The Serbia international says the lure of the Premier League was something he could not refuse, and is looking forward to beginning his Birmingham career.

"I am absolutely delighted to be at Birmingham. Playing in the Premier League is something I have always wanted to do," he said.

"It will be a super experience and I'm thoroughly looking forward to it.

"I've been watching the Premier League for many years, it's something I've always followed and kept up to date with.

"What really swayed me to join Birmingham was the potential of playing for such a big club in the Premier League and the potential of playing in Europe and it was an opportunity I couldn't turn down.

"I am delighted to get the deal done so quickly."

Praise

Blues boss Alex McLeish added: "He is certainly a big lad and I'm sure he could have a career in basketball.

"But despite his height he's a good footballer, he brings other people into play and I spoke to Serbia coach Radi Antic and he said he was a fantastic team player.

"I've seen him for a number of years and spoken to some friends in Belgrade who knew him well and knew his character. Seeing what he did at Santander I hope he can do the same at Birmingham.

"I hope he has an outstanding World Cup and comes back injury-free.

"He is a well-known player in world football and I think he will do well at

Birmingham."

Zigic stands as one of the tallest players in world football at 6ft 8in, and he aims to be better than fellow giant forward Peter Crouch.

"I play the way I play. The fact I am this tall is an advantage," he remarked.

"You could say I am similar to Peter Crouch but I aim to be better than Peter, maybe use my height a little bit better.

"I am determined to use my physique to the advantage of the club."