Bafetimbi Gomis spoke of his delight to complete his free transfer to Swansea City
Bafetimbi Gomis spoke of his delight to complete his free transfer to Swansea City – signing a four-year contract.
There were worries that the move wouldn’t go through as there were delays, but the 28 year-old was finally persuaded to put pen to paper thanks to the club’s year-long desire to sign him.
Gomis told the Official Site that he has been impressed with the manager and chairman:
“I`ve been really impressed speaking with the manager and the chairman over the last few days,“
“They showed they really wanted me – and that`s one of the main reasons I chose Swansea ahead of the other interested clubs.
“They`ve been trying for over a year to sign me. It didn`t quite happen back then, but they kept trying and I`m absolutely delighted to be here now.
“Although I`ve been aware of Swansea for a number of seasons, I`ve been following them a lot closer since the interest first materialised last year.
Other interested clubs were mainly fellow Premier League side Newcastle United, whose fans didn’t seem at all pleased that they couldn’t beat Swansea to the signing of one of their Summer targets.
The arrival of Gomis goes a long way to show that new manager Garry Monk has no problem in attracting good players, as it’s been noted that Gomis was one of the most attractive free agents available.
Gomis talked about the club, adding:
“It`s a proud club with strong philosophies. It is growing all the time and I`m honoured to be given the opportunity to be part of it.
“I watched a number of games last season and I think the style will suit me. It`s a collective, passing approach which I like.
“I think the way the team play creates lots of chances for the striker and hopefully I can score plenty of goals.“
The media seems to assume that Gomis is a like for like replacement for Bony – who they expect to leave the club this Summer.
However, both Monk and Gomis himself hope they can form a good goalscoring partnership together:
“I do not see Wilfried Bony as competition, more of an association, because I know we can also play perfectly together,“
“We can benefit each other and that will be strong for the team.“
“I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League, especially as it is the first time I have played my football outside France,“
“I don`t think I will have a problem settling in. I`ve already been made to feel very welcome by everyone here over the last few days. They have been very kind to me.
“Now I am looking forward to meeting my new teammates and to help the team. I`ve heard that there is a good atmosphere in the group and in the stadium with the fans on match days.
“I can`t wait to play my first home game here to feel that atmosphere for myself.“
