Eagles Star Happy To Rejoin Steve Bruce


Sone Aluko says the ambition of Hull City boss Steve Bruce and owner Assem Allam created an irresistible pull towards the KC Stadium.

The Tigers celebrated a significant coup in the summer transfer market this week when landing the in-demand Aluko on a two-year deal.

The 23-year-old attracted interest from Germany, Turkey and Spain when he became available on a free transfer last month following the demise of former club Rangers.

Bruce, who handed Aluko a senior debut when in charge of Birmingham in 2007, was able to push himself to the front of the queue and the forward admits City's long-term vision made a compelling case.

"I knew (Steve Bruce), I knew Keith Bertschin as well, Stephen Clemence too, so I knew a lot of the staff which helps with settling down," Aluko told the Tigers' website.

"But overall it was the ambition of the club that made me come here.

"I spoke with (Bruce) and I spoke with the owner too, and they were very positive about getting in the Premier League straight away.

"It's not just talk because they've invested so for me it was the right challenge I was looking for.

"Everyone knows that I want to play at the highest level. We all want to get in the Premier League and that's what we'll try and do."

Aluko enjoyed his finest campaign yet in senior football.

A vintage season with Rangers saw him net 12 goals in 19 SPL starts for the Glasgow giants following his move from Aberdeen in November.

The financial meltdown of Rangers brought about Aluko's exit prematurely this summer and he returns south with confidence sky high.

"I had a good season with Rangers and enjoyed my time there so it wasn't an easy decision, after four years in Scottish football. But for my career it was the best thing to do," he said.

"Rangers are a massive club with a massive fan base and playing there was so far the happiest part of my career. But having grown up in England, there was always that pull to come back here."

Aluko celebrated his first appearance for City on Tuesday when he scored the only goal of the game as the Tigers beat Oldham in a behind-closed-doors friendly.