Stoke City forward says he wants new contract on merit, not sentiment

Super Eagles and Stoke City forward Osaze Odemwingie who just returned from a lenght injury lay-off has revealed that he wants to be given a new contract based on his merit and not sentiments.

The fit-again forward made his return to undefined and Sunderland after eight months out injured.

The Edo State born forward said this while speaking to Stoke Sentinel.

“I have been training well and am 100 per cent now,” Odemwingie revealed.

“But I need to test myself and I don’t want it (a new deal) to be a sentimental decision. I want to prove my fitness and prove that I can help this team a lot. That’s what I’m doing, not pushing talks. It would be excellent for me to stay and continue from where I left off.

“I really enjoy working with the manager and staff, working at the training ground with the atmosphere, and especially at the stadium."

Odemwingie who was heavily cheered by the Stoke City fans as he came in as a second half substitute in their last game and the former West Brom player say he wants to repay the fans' support.

“The fans have also encouraged me and hopefully, I will be scoring a goal before the end of the season.

“If I can do well and the manager sees me as someone who can help the club, then I am happy to stay.

“But I don’t want it to be on sentiment, I want it to be on merit.”