Ghana defender Baba Rahman said his desire to play Premier League football again was key to his decision to stay in England.
Rahman joined Championship side Reading in the summer transfer window on loan after signing a four-year extension with Chelsea.
“When the [Reading] opportunity presented itself, I was happy and I think I settled down well from the start. […] I spoke to the manager and he told me how the team was going to form and play. And I was like, this is what I want, this is something that I have to add to my game.
“[Returning to the Premier League was] the main reason I had to stay in England, so it's going to happen if I'm okay here," Rahman told Berkshire Live.
Since arriving, Baba has been ubiquitous for the Royals, starting their 12 league games and playing every minute.
Reading may be mired in mid-table mediocrity right now, having recently lost four on the rebound after winning five of seven. Baba's first matches, but if they can find some consistency, maybe they can push for promotion, even.
“As a team, we've had our ups and downs, but I love my time here. Things can change quickly, I expected that in the league before I arrived. You see teams up there, and then they lose a few games, they're in the middle of the table or near the bottom. In the championship, you cannot give points. We just have to keep consistency."
Rahman rejoined Reading this week after starring in Ghana's qualification to the final round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers last weekend.
He is expected to start against Nottingham Forest on Saturday as Reading hope to secure a second consecutive victory after ending their four-game winless run before the international break.