West Brom’s Jonny Evans reveals reasons for leaving Manchester United
Sunday 30 August 2015 14:23, UK
New West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans has revealed former Manchester United team-mate Darren Fletcher was a major influence on his decision to move to the Hawthorns.
The Northern Ireland international completed an initial £6m move - rising to £8m with add-ons – to the Baggies on Saturday, signing a four-year deal at the club.
Evans' decision to join West Brom brought to an end his 12-year association with United. The 27-year-old enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with United, winning the Premier League on three occasions.
But having fallen down the pecking order under Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, he was allowed to move on and Evans says conversations with former United midfielder Fletcher convinced him to make the move to West Brom.
"I spoke to Fletch regularly. I rang him just after he had made the move here from United (in February) and he said how much he was enjoying his football," he told the club's official website.
"When West Brom came in for me, it definitely had an influence on me. I was able to speak to Fletch quite a few times and he assured me he was still enjoying it."
Evans, who, has not played for United this season, added: "I think there comes a time in everyone's career when it is good to have a new challenge and mine has come now.
"I think I'm at a good age where I can make an impact, and I wanted the opportunity to do that."
