Derik "Marcos Alonso Told Me to Join Bolton"

Disappointing Spanish left-back Marcos Alonso left Bolton Wanderers to join Italian Serie A giants Fiorentina on a Bosman free transfer back in 2013 following three poor years and a mere 35 appearances.

However, it turns out that since leaving the club for sunnier (and better paid) climes, the former Real Madrid man has finally proven himself useful to us.

New signing Derik Osede has been speaking about how Alonso talked Bolton up to him, and helped him decide to join the glory boys over more illustrious sides competing for his signature.

Derik said:

"I spoke with Marcos Alonso, someone I know from Real Madrid, about Bolton,"

He continued:

"He told me that Bolton is a very good club, I listened to him and took the decision to come here.

"It's difficult, because I have left a lot of my family in Madrid. I was comfortable in Madrid, but this is a challenge for me and I'm really excited about it.

"I want to repay the manager and thank him for the trust and belief he has shown in me so far. I will train hard and play hard and hopefully prove my worth.

He then revealed:

"It was a hard decision to leave Real Madrid. It's the place where I have been since I was eight years old. But this is a good opportunity for me and I have to develop more. The English league is a hard league for me, but I think it will be good for me.

"I've been in contact with Bolton and Neil Lennon since June. The first thing that came to my mind was that it would be a good opportunity for me and one I was very happy to take.

"I'm feeling good right now. The team-mates have helped me settle and the staff have been very good. I want to acclimatise quickly. The fitness is different in Spain and a lot of work is done with the ball. I think I will learn quickly here."

sd