JAKE’S IDEAL HOME
SAIDO BERAHINO has fallen foul of authority a few times – but he draws the line at lying to his mum.
Stoke City’s £12million striker returns to his old West Brom stomping ground today, fresh from breaking his astonishing goal duck.
The 25-year-old hit the net against Huddersfield on Tuesday – his debut goal for the Potters and his first since scoring for the Baggies against Crystal Palace in February 2016.
Berahino lives with his mum Liliane and three sisters, and the forward revealed the first question he gets when going through the front door is always about whether he’s scored.
“It’s been a while and she’s been waiting,” he said of his mum. “She won’t even come to my games because she gets too nervous.
“Hopefully, getting that goal will bring a smile to her face. When I come through the front door, it’s the first question: ‘Did you score?’ because she doesn’t watch the live updates.”
Asked whether he thought a little white lie might have been in order to ease his mum’s stress levels, Berahino said: “No, no, no, you can’t lie to your mum!
“I’m relieved for her because she doesn’t really understand what’s been happening. She’s always supported me 100 per cent. Not just for me, but my sisters as well. I’m the only male in the family, so they support me.
“Plus the fact that I’m the baby of the family – the youngest. Of course, she’s felt it when I’ve been getting stick or being criticised.
“I’m her only son, so anything bad that is said or any situation I get myself in, she suffers with me.”
There have been more than one or two situations the former England Under-21 striker might have preferred to avoid, including a failed drugs test and ban.
Berahino added: “I’ve tried to put that all behind me. The goal could be the kickstart I need. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve got to try and learn from it.
“It’s been a hard three years – I’m still young and got a long career ahead of me. I’ve got to be more mature.” JAKE LIVERMORE has urged West Brom to “lay down a marker” by beating Stoke today.
The Baggies have won three straight games at home, netting 10 times, and the midfielder insists it is crucial they continue that run.
“Home form is massive,” said the 28-year-old. “We’re going to need to capitalise on our home games. There will be a few eyes on the match and it’s one where we really want to lay a marker down.
“We want to be at the top of the pile and push on now.”