Russian foward explains Reading move

Reading forward Pavel Pogrebnyak has revealed the reasons why he chose the Royals in favour of previous club Fulham, saying owner Anton Zingarevich 'wanted him more'.

The 28-year old completed his shock move to Berkshire last month, snubbing fellow Premier League side Fulham, who he spent four months with at the end of last season. New owner Zingarevich even went to the Russian's Euro 2012 training camp to speak to Pogrebynak, explaining his visions for the club and how he wanted the former Stuttgart player to be a part of that progression.

Speaking to Go to YahooThe Guardian, Pog said: 'He [Zingarevich] said that he wanted to see me at Reading. I did not know him before. I knew that he bought the club. We met in Moscow just two or three times. He promised that Reading football club will be more progressive and that there would be building - he talked about improving the stadium, about new training facilities.'

'I was happy in Fulham, it's a great team, a great club. But I signed four years here. Fulham gave me one or two. I think Fulham's president didn't do so much that I should be in Fulham. It was brilliant that I scored five goals in three games but I must be more consistent. I don't feel pressure, we have good players here and our coach Brian McDermott knows how we can play.'

The Russian international started his first game for the club in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Stoke City. Unfortunately, Pogrebnyak could not make a huge impact on the game, despite some glimmers of quality and was replaced on 67 minutes by Noel Hunt. It is likely 'The Pog' will start Wednesday night's game against Chelsea, with Adam Le Fondre possibly dropping to the bench to accommodate an extra man in midfield.

Wiki page: Pavel Pogrebnyak

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.