Pervis Estupinan has reflected on his first campaign in an Albion shirt with pride, after playing an integral role in our record top-tier finish.
Roberto De Zerbi’s team can look forward to European football for the first time in the club’s history after finishing sixth in the Premier League, during a season in which our Ecuadorian full-back made 35 Premier League appearances.
“I would sum up my first season here using the word pride,” Pervis said. “I’m very proud that I have played a lot of games, so many minutes and that I was able to settle in well and very quickly.
“It’s not easy changing countries and language. My teammates helped me – there are some from my country and the other South Americans helped me to adapt, which meant I was able to focus as quickly as possible.
“I feel very good here, playing better and better and understanding what my manager wanted from me. I’m trying to help my team and want to repay the fans for the warm welcome they gave me with hard work and commitment in every game. that’s my summary – I’m really happy and things are going well.”
The 25-year-old believes his season really kicked on after De Zerbi’s appointment in September.
“He has helped me with my movement on the pitch so much, finding the spaces, the gaps our opponents leave open for us. He gave me confidence to be me, play the way I want to play.
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“I feel really good, confident and motivated to keep improving. I feel better playing here because I have this clear idea of the game and I have enjoyed myself a lot.
“Roberto is a lovely guy. He’s very close to the players and jokes around with us. I know what people mean when they say he’s a bit crazy because he wants to win every game and he makes sure we are so prepared and ready to win every time.
“He always wants more and more and this is contagious and spreads to the players. It’s so important for us because he passes on his passion and energy, this is why we have clicked with him very easily.”