Pompey News

Kranjcar dismisses departure talk

Croatian midfielder Niko Kranjcar has today dismissed talk of an early departure from Fratton Park insisting he never gave leaving a second thought.

Talking to The News Kranjcar said "There were people interested but it never came into my head and for this moment I am a player for Portsmouth Football Club."

"Clubs have shown interest but I'm happy here. When they decide to sell me, if they ever want to sell me, its up to them."

"I'm 22 years old, I have time to be patient. Of course everyone wants to play every game but I'm pretty satisfied how I'm doing now."

"Obviously I want to step up a gear and maybe even play better football, but I think I've got time for that. I'm happy. I know I can play much better and I believe its going to get much better. But for this moment I'm here and that pleases me. The most important thing is when the manager wants you at the club. That's how it is with Harry and it's a big help to me."

"I think its normal to take time settling in when you come from abroad to a league where the pace is different. Back home you are allowed to have more touches of the ball."

"Every player needs time to get used to not only the game but life – and I'm pretty satisfied, pretty happy."

"When you look back, all the big players like Shevchenko have needed some time to settle in. Not only in England but Italy or Spain."

"Its something that's normal and I'm happy."

Although his time so far at Portsmouth has not been distinguished he has shown flashes of what Harry must have seen in the player. Niko at least understands it takes time to adjust, as he mentioned even the one of the worlds best strikers has had a terrible time at Chelsea this year but he seems to be coming good so hopefully soon Kranjcar will so the same.

The midfielder has been injured the last couple of games after damaging his ankle during the game against Sheffield United he may even return for the FA Cup game against Manchester United with new signing Traore cup tied Taylor may be pushed back to left back leaving Kranjcar a possible spot in midfield assuming he can recover properly from his injury.

"I hope to be fit. I'm doing specific running and its coming on okey. Hopefully I will be fit for Manchester United, I really want to play."

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• JipK said:

  This is great to hear, great to hear Kranjcar did not thought about moving to another club.
  I did not know he damaged his ankle! I hope for him he can play tomorrow. Because he really wants to play.
  January 26, 2007 7:32 PM