Danny Welbeck has hailed Albion as a ‘great club’ as he and his teammates prepare to face his former side Manchester United this weekend.
The 30-year-old graduated from the United academy in 2008, going onto play 142 times for them and scoring 29 goals.
He has since played for Arsenal, Sunderland and Watford, and is enjoying his first season on the south coast.
“This is a great club, everyone looks out for each other and there’s a real family environment. The players welcomed me with open arms from the moment I arrived.
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“We’re a bit disappointed with where we are in the table at the moment but that is the harsh reality of the Premier League. Small differences can decide whether you can get three points or zero.
“It’s been a positive experience working with Graham Potter. He leaves no stone unturned tactically going into games, he knows exactly what he wants us to do as a team and where we can hurt the opposition.”
Welbeck has played against United on a number of occasions since his departure from Old Trafford, but he still has close ties to the club and the area where he grew up.
“I’ve been back to Old Trafford few times, so it feels normal. It’s a club I have a lot of affection for and I have a lot of friends there who I still keep in touch with. They gave me my chance and my family and friends are all in Manchester.
“It’s a big occasion for any team to go to Old Trafford but one of the things I learned in the academy there is to play the game, not the occasion and that has stuck with me. It’s 11 v 11, a football match and you want your team to win. We are confident and believe we can go toe-to-toe with the bigger teams in the league.
“United are doing really well and the next step for them is to get that Premier League title. They have a great bunch of players and a lot of quality, especially going forward. It’s going to be a tough game for us but one we’re relishing. It’s one I’m personally looking forward to.”