West Bromwich Albion striker and reported Tottenham Hotspur target Saido Berahino has hit back at those who criticised him for recently not celebrating goals.
West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino has hit back at critics who questioned why he didn’t celebrate during the Baggies’ FA Cup win against Gateshead.
Berahino was on fire during that cup game, but chose not to celebrate upon scoring, as speculation continues over his future.
“I don’t understand why people were having a go at me for not celebrating. It is not in the rules that you’ve got to celebrate when you score,” he told The Guardian.
“Loads of players don’t celebrate when they score. But I’m always the one getting blamed and picked out at West Brom. I just smile at it and keep my mouth shut.”
Berahino has been linked with a £20 million move to Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool, but he seems to be fully focused on his immediate future at West Brom.
He’s been in great form for the Baggies so far this season with nine goals from his Premier League appearances so far. He added to that tally in the game against Hull over the weekend and certainly didn’t look like a subdued player thinking about his future.
There is still over two weeks for any side interested in him to submit a formal bid to West Brom, with Baggies boss Tony Pulis recently admitting that every player is available for the right price.
“I just think everyone now, because I’m almost a target out there, is trying to bring a bad name to me.”
Players who perform well create expectations and become bigger targets for criticism when they don’t play up to those expectations.
He’s set the standard for himself and it’s down to him to continue defying his critics for the rest of the season whether that’s with West Brom, Liverpool, Spurs or any other club.
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