Kanu set for talks over new Pompey deal - Crowned king of Portsmouth by Utaka, Muntari

22.05.2008

Frank Lampard, right, scores past Manchester
United’s goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar during
yesterday’s UEFA Champions League final
match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
PHOTO:AFPNIGERIAN international and Portsmouth striker, Nwankwo Kanu is set to discuss a new contract with the English Premiership side following his heroics in last Saturday's FA Cup final at the Wembley Stadium.

The Super Eagles captain's current deal expires this summer but a clause in the deal guarantees his an extension if he plays up to 25 matches this season.

Kanu played a total of 31 matches for the Harry Redknapp side, making 25 Premiership, five FA Cup and one League Cup appearances, scoring seven goals in the process. The goals included the one he scored in the FA Cup semi-final against his former club, West Bromwich Albion, which took Portsmouth to the final, and the heroic goal last Saturday in the final against Cardiff City at the Wembley Stadium, which gave Pompey their first FA Cup title in 69 years and a UEFA Cup slot.

The Nigerian international has said he wants to stay at Fratton Park. He told BBC Radio Solent: "I like playing and enjoying my football. I love it here, I love the supporters. It's left to the club now. "I think the club will not forget what I have done for them to say 'you have done well and deserve it'."

Kanu, who is the only African player to have won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, English Premiership, FA Cup and Olympic gold medal, said his desire to stay on at Portsmouth was borne out of his love for the club's fans as well as his thirst for European football once again, expressing the hope that his Wembley goal would place him in a good stead to be given a new deal by the manager, Redknapp.

"I love the supporters and I want to be part of the team who play in the UEFA Cup. Scoring the winner like this, they will have to give me a bigger contract!' In February, the former Arsenal forward was linked with a move to Australia.
His agent, Samuel Okoronkwo, claimed Gold Coast Galaxy had expressed an interest in signing Kanu when it entered the Australian A league later this year.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp dismissed the rumours at the time. He said: "I think he wants to stay here. The lad seems to be happy and I don't want him to go anywhere. He has been terrific for me. In another development, Kanu has been crowned king of Portsmouth by his compatriot, John Utaka and Ghanaian team mate Sulley Muntari, who bought Kanu a baseball cap after scoring the winning goal in the semi-final with 'King' inscribed on it which he wore after the final whistle on Saturday, but has spread throughout the squad, including the gaffer, Redknapp.