Mame Biram Diouf grateful to Stoke City boss Mark Hughes

Stoke City forward Mame Biram Diouf has hailed manager Mark Hughes for helping him rediscover his best form since returning to England.

The 27-year-old left the Premier League to join Bundesliga side Hannover 96 in 2012 after struggling with Manchester United, and previously with Blackburn Rovers on loan.

However, Hughes, a long-term admirer of the Senegal striker, signed him for the Potters last summer in a move that eventually saw him net 13 times in all competitions last season.

"Because of [Hughes] I'm back in the Premier League again and I'm really grateful and happy to be back," he told Sky Sports News.

"As a football player you are always looking for the kind of coach who will really want you and want you to play for him so he's been a key figure for me.

"He was trying to sign me for quite a long time. They [Hannover] didn't want to see but in the end it happened and I'm very glad to be back [in England]. I hope we can continue at this level, trying to win and trying to build a team."

Diouf had netted just eight times during his time with Hannover.