Benik Afobe vows to score the goals to keep Bournemouth in Premier League
Friday 15 January 2016 12:23, UK
Bournemouth's new club record signing Benik Afobeis backing himself to score the goals that could prove the difference in keeping Eddie Howe's side in the Premier League.
Afobe, signed from Wolves for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £10m, scored 23 goals in 48 games for the Championship side since joining them from Arsenal a year ago.
Speaking at a press conference to confirm his arrival he revealed the move has helped him realise a lifetime ambition.
"Since I was about six I've always dreamed about playing in the Premier League," said Afobe.
"The manager here has given me the opportunity so I'm looking forward to repaying them by doing well for the team, and scoring as many goals as I can.
"This team play the way I like to play, I play the way this team like to play, so hopefully I can join my new teammates as soon as possible and work hard, keep improving as a player. I'd like to think I can score a few goals and help this team stay up.
"He (Eddie) spoke to me and told me about the philosophy of the club, how he wants to play, what he thinks I can improve on, and the stuff I do that's really good. I liked what I heard and hopefully I can repay him."
Afobe admitted he didn't know if the paperwork had been rubber-stamped in time for him to make his debut against West Ham on Tuesday night.
He said: "I'm not too sure yet. I've trained today with all the boys. Hopefully that will go through but I'm not too sure yet what's going to happen.
"I'm definitely someone who wants to score goals. I work hard for the team, I run in behind, I like to link up with my wingers and midfielders. It's about the team so if I can bring goals for the team that's definitely something I'm looking forward to."
Arsenal are set to receive a fee for helping Afobe develop, and he was full of praise for Arsene Wenger.
"He was massive. Everyone knows he's one of the best managers in the world, probably the top three of the best managers to ever be in the Premier League," he said.
"Coming from Arsenal you learn from him, you learn from the staff and the players he brings in. He's always shown faith in me, he helped me grow as a young teenager so it will be nice to play against him in a couple of weeks' time."
