Fulham striker Bryan Ruiz insists Fulham fans have not seen the best of him yet as he plans to star for the club this season.
The Cottagers lost Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey to Tottenham in August but Ruiz is ready to take it upon himself to ensure they are not missed too much.
“I don’t think Fulham fans have seen the best of me yet,” the Costa Rica international said.
“Last season I found it hard at times, and there were a couple of injuries too that didn’t help.
“Of course, it could have gone better, but I did a few things to show people what I have, and for sure, this season I’ll do my best for the fans.
“Mousa and Clint have both left. They were two players that could do many things on the football pitch. But now we don’t have them, and as a result, I do feel a bit more responsibility on my shoulders.
“But I’ve had pressure before when I was at Twente and it’s the same for the national team – so I don’t mind that kind of pressure. I know that I can make a difference.”
Ruiz gained his reputation in Holland as he helped Steve McClaren’s Twente win the Eredivisie title for the first time in their history in 2010.
“That first year (he left for Fulham in 2011) was probably the best football I have played in my career so far,” added the 27-year-old forward.
“I signed for a team which had never been champions and in my first year I scored 24 goals and we won the league. It was an unforgettable moment.
“It did much for future, suddenly people were taking interest. I enjoyed my time in Holland, but I wanted to play in one of the best leagues in the world. I liked La Liga in Spain and also the Premier League.
“There were teams from both leagues that wanted me, but Fulham was the club that showed the most interest.
“I admit that I didn’t know a lot about the club but I watched some videos and talked to people and then I was convinced that Fulham was the best option. It just seemed like a good club and a good place to be.”
“I really want to do well for Fulham,” he added. “My first season was a bit hit and miss, but sometimes it takes a while for a new signing to find their feet.
“I showed what I could do at times and now I am used to the physical demands of the Premier League, I want to repay Fulham for bringing me to England.
“The fans have been very supportive as well. They appreciate good football at Fulham, which is how I like to play and hopefully we will see a lot of that over the rest of the season.”
