Stefan Johansen was restricted to only four starts at Fulham in the first half of last season and limited playing time saw Claudio Ranieri allow the midfielder go out on loan to West Bromwich Albion in January.
The Italian was sacked a month later and Scott Parker was appointed as a caretaker manager. The latter was appointed as the permanent coach after the Cottagers’ relegation to the Championship was confirmed.
Johansen had an opportunity to leave the country in January, but he decided to join the Baggies on a temporary deal in order to continue his stay in England.
“So, there were some clubs [outside England], I should not hide. But I went to West Brom and I felt it was a great club for me,” the 28-year-old told Norway’s TV2.
“At that time, I felt I had to go away and play football again. That was the main reason I went there [West Brom] and then I came back to Fulham this summer and had a good chat with the manager. He said he wanted to bet on me, so that’s always been what I wanted.
“I have been very fond of the club and my family is thriving in the city, and so I think it is desirable to be in England.”
Fulham are placed sixth in the table with 10 points, trailing league leaders Swansea City by six points, and the Norway international believes Parker has a strong squad at his disposal to help the club get back to the Premier League.
“Now we are in the second level, but I think we have a good enough team that we can go straight up again. For me, of course, the Premier League is the coolest league in the world, so that’s the goal,” he explained.
“Last season was nowhere near as I wished. Neither for me nor for the club. It got a little chaotic.
“But now they have found a man [for what] they are aiming for. When we get further and work on it, it is clear that it will get better. Scott has come in and been clear on his ideas, so there is a big difference.”
Johansen has already featured six times for the English side in the Championship this season.
