Puygrenier eyes extended stay

18 April 2009 10:45
French centre-back Sebastien Puygrenier would like to continue playing in England when his loan spell at Bolton ends in June. The 27-year-old joined the Premier League side from Zenit St Petersburg on a six-month loan deal in January, but has not established himself as a first-team regular.However, he has been impressed with the standard of the English top flight in his three months with the Trotters and would rather not return to Russia in the summer. "I would prefer to stay in England," he said. "I don't regret coming here. The English championship really is exceptional. There is a more rhythm to the play, more tackling, everything is more intense. "We will see. I want to play the maximum number of matches from now to the end of the season and then I would like to sort myself out so I can have a full season."It isn't easy moving every six months." Puygrenier was a rock at the heart of Nancy's defence last season but opted for a big-money move to Zenit in the summer, penning a four-year contract. He won the European Super Cup with the Russians, who beat Manchester United to claim that trophy in August, and also played Champions League football over there. Since his move to Bolton, he has more often than not had to be satisfied with a place on the bench but he is quite settled at the Reebok Stadium now. "My team-mates are great and there is a very good mentality here," he told L'Equipe. "He (manager Gary Megson) really likes his tactical work but it is always based around the same gameplan - sending the ball up to Kevin Davies, who is very good in the air."It is often - even constantly - him who we look for, when at certain times we could play on the ball more."

Source: Eurosport