Salomon Rondon says it’s no joke playing in Russia – but claims it is warmer there than at West Brom, writes Neil Moxley in the Sunday People.
Venezuela striker, Rondon has sampled life in the Russian League with Rubin Kazan and Zenit St Petersburg.
But ask him for his opinions on life in the Premier League and the Black Country, and he is adamant that it is milder in Russia than in the Midlands.
The Baggies' frontman said: “It’s my opinion, but it’s colder in West Bromwich than Russia. When it snows over there, it’s cold. But it’s not so wet – and I like the snow.
“Here, I like the quality of life and the calmness. People respect you – if you are in a restaurant, people will wait until you have finished before taking a picture.
The striker played in Russia for three years, including 18 months at Zenit (above)(Photo: Epsilon/Getty)
“In other countries, you can be eating and fans ask you to smile while they take a picture.”
Rondon arrived in the Midlands in the summer as a record £12million signing, having worked under Andre Villas-Boas at Zenit – where records show that it is up to 10C colder than The Hawthorns.
However, the Baggies' home ground is famously the highest in English football, at over 500 feet above sea level.
The 27-year-old also counts ex-Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini as one of his former bosses, playing for him at Spanish side Malaga.
But it is another former Premier League old timer – Ruud van Nistelrooy – who has had as big an impact upon him as any.
Rondon said: “I saw Ruud a lot at Malaga. He taught me a lot about movement and finishing. Pellegrini was also important to my career.”
Baggies boss, Tony Pulis has no doubt the South American will soon be making his mark.
Before Monday's home game against Burnley, Pulis said: “He’s more relaxed now, he feels much more part of the set-up – and he’s a really good player.”
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