[英超]史篤城中場艾利蘭(Stephen Ireland)與球會簽约3年 [復制鏈接]

Stoke midfielder Stephen Ireland signs new three-year contract



Stoke playmaker Stephen Ireland has signed a new three-year contract at the Britannia Stadium.

The Republic of Ireland international has rebuilt his career with the Potters under manager Mark Hughes and is now committed to the club until the summer of 2017.

The 27-year-old told the Stoke website: "It's important for every player to feel wanted and to be a part of a family and to be honest I haven't had that for a long, long time.

"Thankfully I have felt that warmth here at Stoke and truth be told I couldn't really be in a better place than I am at the moment.

"For that, I have to thank the gaffer immensely because he is the main reason why I came here in the first instance, and of course, he is a big factor in why I am delighted to agree this new deal now.

"I have also been able to build a good relationship with the supporters too, and that is very warming to me, because it has been a long time since I have felt loved at a football club."

He added: "I wouldn't have been able to enjoy my football again like I have done if the manager hadn't have brought me here in the first place, so of course, I am incredibly grateful to him and the club for doing that."

Ireland was considered one of the hottest properties in the Premier League during his early career at Manchester City but a subsequent move to Aston Villa saw his career take a nosedive.

An unsuccessful loan to Newcastle was followed by another temporary stay at Stoke, who made the switch permanent in January 2014.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9266740/stoke-midfielder-stephen-ireland-signs-new-three-year-contract

Ireland Commits To City

27-year-old midfielder signs three-year contract at the Britannia Stadium

STOKE CITY are delighted to announce Stephen Ireland has committed his long-term future to the Club.

The 27-year-old midfielder has signed a three-year contract, tying him to the Potters until the end of the 2016/17 season.

Ireland joined City from Aston Villa earlier this in an initial loan deal that was made permanent during the January transfer window.

He has made 27 league and cup appearances and has scored two Premier League goals.

His move to the Britannia Stadium saw him reunited with Mark Hughes, who had been his manager at his first club Manchester City.

Ireland enjoyed arguably the most successful period of his career so far under Hughes at City as he won the club's Player of the Year award, as well as a whole host of plaudits.

Hughes today expressed his delight at securing his services in a long-term deal, telling stokecityfc.com: "We're delighted that Stephen has committed himself to us. He's an outstanding player; I think we've seen that in the time that he's been with us.

"He's someone I've worked with before and that will help Stephen because he enjoys working in a stable environment where he knows people.

I think that gets the best out of him and we'll reap the benefits of that and I think the next few years will be great for him.

"He's still a young man and we’re arguably getting him at a time in his career when he should be at the peak of his powers. I think it's a great opportunity both for Stephen and the Club."

City Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: "From talking to Stephen it's evident that he has really enjoyed his time with us so far.

"He was grateful for the opportunity we gave him to play first team football on a regular basis again and we are pleased to have secured his services for another three years."

Read more at http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/ireland-commits-to-city-1488270.aspx#Qfx8MbbF5W7ugB2o.99