Sun Jihai looks to extend Manchester City contract
(Manchester Evening News)
Updated: 2005-11-25 09:05

China international Sun Jihai is determined to win a new contract with the Premiership side Manchester City.

Sun's current deal runs out next summer, but the versatile 28-year-old would like to extend his stay before eventually returning to his homeland.

He said: "I have been here nearly four years now and a work permit is no problem for me. The only problem I have is that I want to play games. I want to stay at City and I want to stay in the Premier League.

"I am 28-years-old now and hopefully I can stay three or four years more and then I definitely plan to finish my football career back in China."

Sun stepped into a central midfield role against Blackburn because of the absence of Joey Barton and Claudio Reyna, and he put in a decent performance.

He added on the club's website: "I would love to remain with City longer if I can. I like the club a lot, my wife and children are settled here. I know Manchester very well now and I have some good friends around me.

"Hopefully I will be able to stay but to do that I know I have to play well when I get the chance and train hard. After that we will just have to see what happens. Hopefully something will happen in the New Year."

Sun can shine in City midfield

Manchester City utility star Sun Jihai feels he's adapted well to the demands of being City's man in the middle.