Ben Brereton-Diaz opens up on reasons why he rejoined Sheffield United after turning down Derby County and Stoke City
Ben Brereton-Diaz rejoined Sheffield United for a third time on Friday
Ben Brereton-Diaz pointed to Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder as one of the main reasons why he has joined the Blades for a third spell.
The forward moved to Bramall Lane on a season-long loan from Southampton on Friday and is in contention for a place in the side to face Cardiff City on Saturday.
The Chile international has been in conversation with Wilder over the course of the past few days as the terms of the deal to bring him back to South Yorkshire were finalised and Brereton-Diaz believes Wilder is a manager that can get the best out of him again after a tough spell with Saints.
The former Blackburn Rovers forward is also understood to have turned down Derby County - where he was on loan last year - and hometown club Stoke City.
When asked if Wilder played a big role in helping him decide to join United again, Brereton-Diaz said: “Yes, massively. Me and Gaffer have got a great relationship. He's done great in his career. And for me, I've played for him twice already at Sheffield United. So, yes, I'm buzzing to come back again and play for the gaffer. I'm really excited.”
He added: “I spoke to him a little bit over these past few days. And, yes, he said he'd obviously know what I'm about and what I can bring to the group. But I just want to help the lads out. And I know this group's experienced. It's got some familiar faces that I was with there before. So I'm really excited to meet the new lads.”
Now the 27-year-old is looking forward to getting back out in front of Blades fans and also catching up with some familiar faces.
“It's a great club,” he told SUTV. “Fans are great. And the two times I've been here, I've absolutely loved it. The lads and playing for the gaffer. So for me, it was a year of on loan. I know what's going to get the best out of me and I feel like I'll fit straight in. And, yes, that's my decision, speaking to the gaffer.”
He added: “Obviously I went back [to Southampton] for pre-season. An amazing club, but I've been there now for three years. It's not quite worked out.
“And so, yes, I wanted to come back to somewhere that I knew and somewhere that I know I can get the best out of me under the gaffer.”