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.
Shane Callaghan
