The 27-year-old joined West Brom on a season-long loan deal from Dynamo Kiev on transfer deadline day.
“I know that West Bromwich wanted me two or three years ago when I was playing in Holland,” he told the Birmingham Post.
“When I heard they wanted me a second time I said ‘this is a good chance for me to show what I can do’ – I’m so happy to sign for West Bromwich.”
The former Heerenveen defender admits he is keen to make his move permanent.
“I hope after this one year I will sign for two or three more,” added Popov.
“Dynamo usually finishes first or second in Ukraine and as I have a three-year contract there I know – if I go back – I’ll be able to play Champions League football.
“But I will only have one chance to come to England and I want to use it because I always dreamed of it.”
