Former West Ham United and Arsenal target Boulaye Dia admits that he was prioritising a Premier League move but couldn’t turn down a £12 million switch to Villarreal, speaking to Marca.
It’s not been an easy ride on the Castellon coast for Unai Emery’s Senegal international centre-forward.
Dia scored just two goals in his first 20 games in Villarreal colours after all. But form, as they say, is temporary. And, over the last two months or so, Dia has set about proving that his class is indeed permanent.
The former Reims talisman produced three goals and two assists in his final two La Liga outings before jetting out to Cameroon for the African Cup of Nations.
And after helping Senegal conquer the continent for the first time, Dia returns to Spain with his confidence sky-high.
“Spanish football is different from French football,” explains the skilful striker.
“A period of adaptation was logical. But I have the understanding of the coach, who has spoken to me a lot, has helped me and given me advice. He can speak to everyone in English, French, Spanish…
“When I went to the African Cup of Nations, I was already in my best form. After winning the title, I return with a lot of motivation and positive energy.”
Did Boulaye Dia make the right call?
His agent, Frederic Guerra, even admitted that West Ham had held talks, insisting that Dia was a player who ‘interested’ David Moyes’ side.
“Everything moved very fast,” Dia recalls.
“I ended up scoring 14 goals in the top flight (Ligue 1) and the offers came. I had the opportunity to make the leap to a team in order to grow, such as Villarreal. But even though it was very fast, I feel prepared.
“Perhaps my priority was the Premier League but it did not close doors for me. And I opted for Villarreal.”
Dia is in line to feature when Villareal host Juventus in the Champions Leauge round-of-32 tonight.
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