Bojan pays tribute to Hughes after signing new Stoke deal

Rob Conlon

Bojan: Allowed to leave Stoke on loan

Bojan Krkic says Mark Hughes’ influence was the deciding factor in his decision to extend his contract at Stoke City.

Former Barcelona forward Bojan was linked with a move away from the Britannia Stadium in January but has penned a new four-and-a-half year contract at the Potters.

The 25-year-old joined Stoke in 2014 and has made 23 appearances in all competitions after recovering from a serious knee injury.

“I am very happy and motivated,” he told the club’s website.

“Stoke City gave me the opportunity to play in the most competitive league in the world, the Premier League, and I have only words of gratitude for their trust and for the way they have treated me since the first day I arrived to England.

“Mark Hughes convinced me to come to Stoke, he has helped me and showed his trust in me from the beginning, he followed closely the recovery process from my injury and there is no doubt I have signed an extension of my contract thanks to him.”

Bojan also paid tribute to Stoke’s supporters, adding: “They always support me – on the pitch, when I was injured, every time I leave the stadium.

“They are passionate and I can proudly say that my team-mates and I feel their warm and their support every single day. That is very important for me and encourage me to keep improving and trying to give my best.”