Lacina Traore Rejected West Ham Move to Play Attactive Football with Everton

Everton arrival Lacina Traore turned down a move to West Ham United because he preferred the prospect of playing under Roberto Martinez's style of football.

The 6ft 8in striker was officially unveiled by the club following his loan move from Monaco but had been heavily tipped to join the Hammers until the end of the season after the club secured a work permit for the Ivory Coast international.

But Everton – who lost Romelu Lukaku to injury during their 4-0 loss in Tuesday's Merseyside derby – approached the Ligue 1 side with a late offer for the 23-year-old who jumped at the chance to help the Toffees in their march towards European qualification.

"It was quite close but Everton was my choice," Traore told a press conference, via the Guardian. "I looked at the styles of play of the two teams we are talking about and the way in which Everton play is more of a passing side and the style of Everton suited my technical ability.

"Also I looked at where they were in the league and they [Everton] were quite well off for points in the league so I think with that sort of emphasis on skill and the passing game I am hoping I can settle in as quickly as possible with my style of play.

"There were other clubs interested in me at the beginning but I knew Everton had a good possibility of getting into European football next season. I am pleased I have made this choice and I am standing by my choice of this club."

Despite missing out on Traore Sam Allardyce somewhat eased the pressure on his misfiring strikers by securing a deal for Mario Borriello on loan from Roma.

The Italy international was kept on the bench on Wednesday night however as West Ham held Chelsea to as 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge as the Hammers boss attracted criticism from Jose Mourinho who accused Allardyce and West Ham of playing "football from the 19<sup>th century."

The Chelsea boss told reporters following the stalemate: "I cannot be too critical because, if I was in this position, I don't know if I would do the same. But at the same time this is not Premier League. This is not the best league in the world. This is football from the 19th century.

"Sam was laughing when we spoke. His objective was to come here and take a point. His objective was not to come here and play good football, or win, or feel part of the quality of the Premier League. He takes the point. After that he's a happy man and I'm a sad guy.

"Hopefully they have conditions in the future, if they survive, to present a different kind of football coming here. They have good players, a good squad. Look at their bench and it's full of quality players. So hopefully, for the good of the Premier League, this was just a consequence of their need – which I respect totally – and hopefully they can play football [in the future]."