Loan striker signing Benik Afobe: Millwall should target Championship play-offs

Benik Afobe has revealed that Gary Rowett was a big factor in why he chose to sign for Millwall on a season long-loan.

The Lions have made the 28-year-old their fourth signing of the summer.

Afobe spent last season on loan at Trabzonspor, where he made 28 appearances and scored five goals for the Turkish side.

Speaking to Millwall’a club website, Afobe said: “I’m delighted. The main thing was to try and get the deal done as soon as possible, so I can have a good pre-season with the lads and get to know the staff.

“The main thing is to build a bond with the players as soon as possible. I’ve followed the club for the last couple of years, and I know they have some good lads in the changing room, and I want to be part of that.

“Gary Rowett brought me to Stoke City when he first got there, and he was really good for me. I really enjoyed working with him at training and on matchdays.

“Then unfortunately he left Stoke, but we’ve always kept in contact. When he told me about the project he’s building at Millwall, and he told me how I could fit in, it was a no-brainer for me and my family.

“From the ages of 15, 16, all you want is to have a manager that believes in you – and I’m luck enough that Gary does. Hopefully I can prove him right and score many goals for the team.

“I went to Turkey last year, it was a different experience for me. It started off well, I scored a few goals and then the manager got sacked and that made it tougher for me.

“I want to build on it this year, I have a lot of experience in this league and hopefully I can help the boys and we can have a good season.

“If I didn’t think that we could make the play-offs, I wouldn’t be coming here. The manager is building a great project here. If we start the season off well, and build momentum, there’s no reason we can’t finish in the play-offs.

“That’s why I’m here, I want to improve the team and I want the team to improve me. I’m raring to go, I can’t wait!”