Daryl Dike has expressed thanks to West Bromwich Albion for allowing him to “live out a dream.”
Having previously spent the second half of the 2020-21 season on loan at Barnsley from Orlando City and scored nine goals in 22 appearances, Dike returned to England in January 2022 as he joined West Brom but a mixture of Achilles, hamstring and leg injuries limited his game time.
West Brom eventually decided to release him from his contract at the end of last season and following a period of reflection, Dike has penned a statement on Instagram thanking the Baggies’ fans for supporting him through the highs and lows as his “time has come to an end.”
“From the day I arrived in England, you welcomed me with open arms and helped me live out a dream. Representing this club and wearing the Albion shirt was a privilege I never took for granted. From my first game to my last, your support never wavered.”
Dike too paid tribute to West Brom’s medical staff for their “incredible” support throughout each of his injury recoveries, as he scored 11 goals in 65 appearances across four-and-a-half seasons at The Hawthorns.
“Unfortunately, my time here also coincided with some of the most difficult years of my life. Setback after setback and disappointment after disappointment, there were countless moments that tested me. But through it all, you never let me feel alone.
“I was fortunate to be surrounded by incredible people every day. The fans, the staff, and my teammates all played a huge part in helping me through those difficult moments. You became like family, and for that I will always be grateful. The kindness and support you showed me during my hardest days meant more than words can express.”
Despite the 26 year-old US forward’s string of injuries, West Brom remained in the Championship throughout his time at the club, with Dike reflective of how much he wanted to achieve success with West Brom but is happy to leave without any thoughts of regret on his development.
“Everyone knows how badly I wanted to succeed here. I gave everything I had every single day, and while not every story unfolds the way we hope, I leave with no regrets. This journey helped me grow not only as a player, but more importantly as a person. It gave me unforgettable memories, incredible experiences, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
2West Bromwich Albion will always hold a special place in my heart. I will always look back on my time here with immense pride, gratitude, and respect for everyone connected to this club.
“Thank you for believing in me, standing by me, and supporting me throughout this journey. I wish the club, the fans, and everyone associated with Albion nothing but success in the years ahead.”
View this post on Instagram
Leave a Reply