Traore: Hammers not my style
LACInA TRAORE snubbed a move to West Ham as Everton ‘play better football’. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce was furious at just missing out on Traore and his mood will not be helped by the giant striker’s explanation, particularly in the wake of Jose Mourinho’s attack on West Ham’s style.
‘The medical I had was at Monaco (current club), but the West Ham manager and one of their physios came to see me,’ he said, after agreeing a sixmonth loan deal at Everton.
‘I had a decision to make, and after seeing both sides play, I came to the conclusion I would fit in better at Everton. The football is different. From what I have seen, Everton keep the ball on the ground more and pass it around a bit more and I like that. People always remark about my height (6ft 8in), and if there are corners, free-kicks or high balls, I am not going to shy away from challenging for them.
‘I will use my presence but the strength of my game is more about technical, skilful play. I like the ball on the ground and it suits me that Everton like to pass it and play football.
‘I like to see a lot of the ball. West Ham also have a lot of strikers, so it would have been more difficult to get a starting place. not only that, Everton have a good chance of getting into Europe next season. A top-four finish is a possibility and I want to help them achieve that. I am happy with the choice.’