Ed joy as fans take to Diego
EDDIE HOWE has saluted Bournemouth defender Diego Rico for turning jeers to cheers and becoming an unlikely fans’ favourite.
The Spaniard endured a difficult debut season in the Premier League following a £10.7m move from Leganes in the summer of 2018.
But Cherries followers serenaded their newfound cult hero with chants of ‘Diego, Diego’ during last weekend’s 1-0 win at Chelsea.
Boss Howe, whose side take on his former club Burnley today, said: “Diego has done really well. Possibly last week was one of his best performances for us.
“He had a big change coming into this league and has settled very quickly away from the game. He has areas to improve and he has benefited from that and been very consistent.
“This season he has done really well and his left foot has been a good weapon for us.”
On the supporters singing his name, Rico, 26, speaking through an interpreter, said: “I was very proud, very happy to hear that.
“In the end, it is my job to do it, to perform on the pitch on a matchday.
“But I feel very happy that I can show them and make them proud of the team and of me too.
“I want to carry on these feelings, so I can give them more of these brilliant nights and results. In the end, they are the most important people.”
Burnley are set to be without striker Chris Wood due to an Achilles injury but Howe does not believe the New Zealander’s absence will make Sean Dyche’s men any easier to play against.
Howe, whose side ended a five-match losing streak at Chelsea, added: “Burnley never give anyone an easy game and Sean has done a great job there.
“I don’t think it matters who they play. Their strength is very much their philosophy. It is unique in the Premier League but it is very effective.”