Djorkaeff Issues Quit Threat

Last updated : 01 February 2004 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers veteran Youri Djorkaeff has said that European qualification will be a big factor in whether or not he remains at the Reebok Stadium beyond this summer.

The 35-year old former French international says that he will leave the club when his contract runs out in the summer should the Wanderers fail to win the Carling Cup at the end of this month.

"When I arrived at Bolton, I told everyone to concentrate on the cups because that's the only way for this club to get into Europe, That will be the deciding factor over whether I stay after this season." Djorkaeff said

Former World Cup winner Djorkaeff says that he prefers to meet Arsenal in the final as it would give his side an automatic chance of European qualification due to Arsenal's inevitable qualification to the Champions League, however the FA have confirmed that should Bolton meet the Gunners in the final, they would have to win the competition to qualify for Europe as the rules say that the next placed team in the Premier League outside the European places qualify for Europe should Arsenal gain the trophy.

"If we can take on Arsenal in the final at Cardiff that would be ideal. It would mean we would already be qualified for Europe, But I also want to win the Carling Cup."