Djorkaeff Hopes For Bolton Stay

Last updated : 22 December 2003 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers midfielder Youri Djorkaeff has revealed he is set to open talks with chairman Phil Gartside over extending his deal at the Reebok Stadium which is due to run out in the summer.

The former French international who has a World Cup and European Championship winners medal to his name joined the Wanderers from German club Kaiserslautern in February 2002 and has been instrumental on the pitch in Bolton's recent upturn in fortune and his presence at the club has persuaded other big name signings such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Ivan Campo, Mario Jardel, Ibrahim Ba and Stelios Giannakopoulos to join the club.

Now the 35-year old, in his 18th year as a professional has revealed he will sit down in the New Year and discuss new terms to keep him at the club.

"I have spoken to the chairman and we will have a chat in January," Djorkaeff told the Bolton Evening News.

The Frenchman also revealed he isn't considering retiring and that his hunger for the game he has served so well is still as strong as it was when he first joined Grenoble in the French League as a teenager back in 1985.

"But for the moment I am too busy to be talking about new contracts. I am just enjoying the football. If one morning I wake up and say 'stop' I will stop, but every morning I wake up happy and I do not want to stop.

Djorkaeff also expressed his affinity for the people of Bolton and the club with the special relationship he has built up since his move from the Bundesliga.

"I have a great feeling for the people in Bolton and all I am interested in is helping the club."