Blues boss made one call and I was sold – Roberts

The playmaker, who worked with a coach at Celtic for two years, has rejoined Blues on a season-long loan from Sunderland.

With the addition of Roberts, 28, Birmingham now has 14 summer additions, including loan deals that were converted to permanent moves.

Along with Jack Robinson of Sheffield United, he joined on the last day of the transfer window. Roberts claimed that the decision to switch was simple.

“I know the manager – I used to work with him when I was younger, so one phone call from him was all I needed,” Roberts said on the club’s official channel on X, external.

“It didn’t take much to persuade me but we had a good relationship when I was young at Celtic.

“You could see from there how he would take to becoming a manager and he’s come a long way. He’s a top coach. I already knew that.”

Roberts appeared to have the world at his feet when he left Fulham to join Manchester City’s academy.

However, he was unable to make a breakthrough there and spent several seasons on loan at Celtic, Girona, Norwich City, Middlesbrough, Derby County and Troyes before finally establishing himself at the Stadium of Light.

Roberts added: “I think physically and mentally I’m in a good place. Some of the demons I had with injuries when I was younger, I can manage that in an easier way.

“He [Davies] clarified that a creative function existed. Making things happen is what I want to do. Every week, I will make every effort to bring it.

“I’m working hard to reach the top. Last season, I had to do it the hard way. My purpose is to assist Birmingham.

Football is the lifeblood of this city as well. I’ve seen that before. I have experience playing for major teams, and Birmingham is headed in the right direction. It would be a privilege to assist.

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