New Ipswich Town striker Ali Al-Hamadi says the fact he already knows some of his Blues’ team-mates will help him settle in at Portman Road.
The Iraq international signed a four-and-a-half year deal with the Blues on Monday, arriving from League Two AFC Wimbledon for more than £1m.
He’s spoken about how boss Kieran McKenna was key to his decision to move to Suffolk, and says he’s looking forward to seeing a few familiar faces in the dressing room too.
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The 21-year-old told TownTV: “I know Sam Morsy through a few people, we’ve had a few conversations on the phone. He’s a good guy, I’ve spoken to him quite a bit before.
“I know Leif Davis as well – I was at Bournemouth for a little while, on trial there after I left Swansea.
“And obviously I’ve played against Elkan Baggott a few times now for the national team, so we caught each other a few times at the hotel during the last international break and had a few conversations.
“So those three boys I know roughly. I wouldn’t say they’re my best mates, but I’ve come across them before.
“It will be good to see some familiar faces when I walk in the door, it’s always nice to know a few people when you move to a club.”
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Ali Al-Hamadi
Al-Hamdi also thanked his former colleagues at the Dons after making the move to Suffolk official.
He bagged 27 goals in 48 games for the club in his year with them, with fans united in their sorrow at seeing their best player depart.
“What a club Wimbledon is,” Al-Hamadi enthused. “I can’t thank everyone there enough.
“I know (the move) probably came a bit sooner than they would have liked it, but when a club as big as Ipswich come knocking it’s hard not to turn your head.
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“I am very sad to go, it’s not an easy thing. They’ve become like my family now and I love all the people there. I’ve got so close to the staff and the manager especially, he’s done an awful lot for me.
“Hopefully I’ve left the boys in a good enough position now where they can carry on performing and get promoted to League One.”
