West Brom forward Kwame Bataille signs professional deal in Sweden

Bataille featured for West Brom over the course of last season, helping them to fourth placed finish in the West Midlands Premier Division, but previously stated that his future at the club was in question as he expressed his desire to step up to the professional level.

Signing for Lulea Steelers, located in northern Sweden, the 6'6" forward will now be playing in the Scandinavian nation's second division.

Bataille admitted that it was a dream come true for him to sign his first professional deal.

"This is a dream come true for me," he said.

"I've always wanted to be a professional athlete and it hasn't really sunk in yet. I think when I put on the jersey and look into the crowd for the first time it'll hit me properly.

"I'm just overwhelmed with joy. I've settled in pretty good, I'm taking things one day at a time, I'm just getting used to the language so I'm learning as I go along."

Despite his departure, Bataille tipped West Brom to improve on their results last season, and hailed the efforts of the team and head coach Tim Rudge in helping him achieve his goal.

"Coach Tim was the main reason I managed to secure a professional deal." he said.

"He believed in me and saw what others couldn't. The team as a whole showed me how not to just care for myself but for others as well.

"I think the team will be tough to beat this year, especially with the work they've been putting in over the summer. They're in very good hands."