Jordan Ayew: Why I don't like talking about relegation (VIDEO)
Newly signed Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew has been relegated with his last four clubs and it is a subject he would rather not discuss.
Ayew who joined the Eagles on a season-long loan deal from relegated Swansea City on transfer deadline day has developed the unwanted reputation as a relegation magnet after suffering the drop with Sochaux (2014), Lorient (2014-15) and Aston Villa (2015-17) before moving to Wales.
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Indeed, speculation about the final standing of Palace began when he was first linked with a transfer to the club with some fans predicting a drop for Palace if they signed him.
Many users on Twitter have since reiterated those calls but the striker would rather not discuss relegation in his first official interview as a Palace player but rather a top 12 finish in his first season in London.
"Well, I don't really like speaking about relegation because I think we (Swansea) all gave our 100% but in football you need luck," Ayew said in an interview with cpfc.co.uk.
"For me, I think we were unlucky because we were better than some teams but like I said in football you need luck. If we went down it means there was something wrong, where? I don't know but its football and I just have to look forward and Swansea as well gave me the opportunity and the chance to come to Palace, it wasn't easy but at the end, they gave me the opportunity to come to Palace and I am very happy".
EPL best league in the world
Ayew who refused to train with his former club in a bid to force through the deal said he was determined to return to the English Premier League (EPL) because it is the best football league in the world.
He stated: "Obviously, it is the best league in the world and us all, we the players we all want to play in the Premier League and to that I just need to thank God because that was my target to get back into the Premier League and Palace gave me the opportunity so I need to thank Palace and I need to thank God as well".
Hodgson can make me a better player
The youngest son of three-time African Best Footballer added that he has no positional preferences at his new club. Ayew said Palace manager Roy Hodgson had told him that he intends to use him up-front but he doesn't really mind where he plays.
"The most important thing for me now is just to get fit and to be in good shape and after it's the manager who will decide but I
Ayew who began his professional career in the French Ligue 1 with Marseille is also confident that playing under the veteran English trainer Hodgson will make him a better player.
According to him, Hodsgon, as well as Parish chairman, Steve Paris and the fans, were among his reasons for choosing the club.
"I am coming this season because it is a good option for me to come to
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"So, Its a step for me and I am ready for the challenge and I am ready to get to where I think I can get to, so that is why I am here today and I think with the manager, I can get to where I want to".
Ayew, 26, was named the Swansea's Players’ Player of the Season last term after ending the campaign with 11 goals to his name, including strikes home and away against Palace.
Watch Ayew's first interview as a Crystal Palace player below;