Osaze wants ‘fresh deal’ with Stoke

Super Eagles striker, Osaze Odemwingie, has said he would love to sign a new contract at Stoke City but on merit and not through sentiments.
The 33-year-old forward returned to action for ‘The Potters’ at the weekend in a 1-1 draw with Sunderland where he played 10 minutes after coming back from an eight-month lay-off due to a knee ligament injury.
The former Locomotiv Moscow forward’s current contract expires at the end of this season and he wants to prove himself worthy of a new deal.
“I have been training well and I am 100 per cent fit now. 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 feel I am even better since I came on for 10 minutes on Saturday, so I think I will only get better and then we will have that talk.”
He stressed the healthy relationship he enjoys with Mark Hughes and relishes the faith the Stoke boss has shown in him.
“I really enjoy working with the manager and staff, working at the training ground with the atmosphere, and especially at the stadium. 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.”
Osaze said he hopes to see action again this Saturday when they visit Swansea City.