Anichebe Says He Quit Everton Because He Wanted to Try Out New Challenges.

West Bromwich Albion’s new signing Victor Anichebe insists “need for change” prompted his decision to join ‘The Baggies’.

Victor Anichebe Wants to Take on New Challenges at West Brom.
Victor Anichebe Wants to Take on New Challenges at West Brom.

Anichebe, 25, moved from Everton to the Hawthorns on transfer deadline day, drawing to a close his over a decade-long affair with the Goodison Park club.

“I felt like a change could give me an added boost,” Anichebe told BBC Sport.

“I had a great time at Everton, I was there for 15 years. Of course there were ups and there was downs, but that is all part of life.

“After coming off a good season I just thought it would be good for me to build on that.

“Sometimes being at one place can make you take things for granted and feel too comfortable.

“Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and see how it goes, if not you will always wonder what might have been.”

Anichebe, who made his Everton first-team appearance in February 2006 at the age of 16, scored his first Premier League goal against West Brom two months later. He revealed he was wanted by other clubs but his fond memories of playing well against Albion attracted him to Steve Clark’s side.

“There were a couple other clubs interested but I have had key moments in my career against West Brom really defining moments,” he said.

“I think two years ago, my father was really struggling in hospital and I scored the winner that day after coming back from a lengthy injury, the joy alone brought him back to life and I thank God.

“And West Brom are a very good stable club with good fans, good players and good management team.”

After signing a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Merseyside outfit in January 2011, the Nigerian suffered a groin injury during a 2012 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Madagascar in September and did not play football for the rest of the year.

Finishing the 2012/13 season with 8 goals from 32 games and amassing a total of 26 goals in 168 club appearances, Anichebe insists he would have loved to hit more target.

“The only thing that disappoints me is not making more of a mark there (at Everton) and showing people the real me on a more consistent basis,” he added.

“But I’m blessed to have experienced some great times there. I can recall the European nights and how enjoyable they were for me and for the fans.

“Everton gave me the life and opportunity I have today, so I am forever grateful for that.

“Through been injured, the good times and the bad, Everton really helped me grow up and see things in a different aspect.

“It really is a great club and I want to say thank you to everyone that has supported me throughout my whole time there.”