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Traore reveals reason behind West Ham snub

Lacina Traore joined Everton last Friday © AP

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Lacina Traore says Everton's style of football was behind the decision to join them rather than West Ham.

The Ivory Coast striker's admission comes after Jose Mourinho accused the Hammers of playing "19th-century football" to shut out his Chelsea side during a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Traore moved to Everton on loan from Monaco for the rest of the season last Friday - but initially looked as if he was bound for West Ham.

They had secured a work permit for the 23-year-old, only for Everton to nip in and take him from under their noses.

Asked how close he was to joining the Hammers, Traore said: "It was quite close, but Everton was my choice. I've made my choice, and I'm hoping to settle in.

"Why Everton? I looked at the styles of play of the two teams we're talking about here, and I just felt that Everton are more of a passing side. What I liked was the style of play, the technical, skilful style here at Everton. I also looked at where they were in the league, and they were quite well off for points.

"With that emphasis on skill and a passing game, I'm hoping I can settle in as quickly as possible with my style of play."

Traore has joined an Everton side who are sixth in the Premier League ahead of Saturday's home game against Aston Villa, while West Ham are in the relegation zone despite their point at Chelsea.

He is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained last month, and is 10 to 14 days away from being ready to make his debut according to manager Roberto Martinez.

Having only moved to Monaco on a four-and-a-half-year contract from Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala on January 4, Traore admitted he was not expecting to be sent out on loan so quickly.

He said: "It was a bit of a surprise. It was not something I'd thought of. It was a proposition the club came up with, to send me to Everton so I could get more experience, play more and improve as a player.

"I belong to Monaco. That's my club. But it's a loan for six months, so it's a case of looking where we are at the end of the season. If I can put in some good performances, you just don't know in football what will happen."

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