Darren Pratley has spoken out of his 'disappointment' at the slowness of a new contract offer

The Swansea City midfielder was speaking out after Swansea Chairman Huw Jenkins released a statement yesterday which confirmed that the player was ready to see out the last year of his contract at the Liberty Stadium.

Pratley spoke of his disappointment at the length of time the Swans have taken to make the contract offer and wants the fans to understand that his decision is not money motivated.

“I feel it is time I gave my side of the story regarding my future at the club and the recent contract negotiations that have been talked about in the media,” a statement issued by Darren Pratley said

“I haven’t said anything until this point because I wanted to know the full situation before I commented so that I wasn’t misleading the Swansea fans that have supported me so loyally.

“It is true that I have been unable to agree a new deal with Swansea and I now intend to see out the final year of my contract. During that time I will continue to give 100 per cent in everything I do for the club and I hope to be an integral part of a Swansea team that can challenge for the play-offs this season.

“I would like to make it clear that my decision is not motivated by money because the financial package Swansea put to me was fantastic. I am a man of principles though and I have been left disappointed by how long it took the club to offer me a new contract.

“I publicly made it clear last Christmas that I wished to extend my contract with Swansea as soon as possible. The former manager Paulo Sousa was aware of this and tried to get me a new deal, but nothing came forward from chairman Huw Jenkins.

“I continued to ask for a new deal, but Mr Jenkins then said this summer that he was not in a rush to offer me one. I was disappointed with that stance and it made me reconsider my future.

“As soon as Brendan Rodgers took over he made it clear he saw me as a key player and the club finally made me an offer in writing last Thursday, two days before the start of the season. As I have said, Swansea offered me a great deal, but I felt it was too late.

“I hope the fans can respect my decision and trust that I will continue to give everything to the Swansea cause. This will be my fifth season with the club and, while I have enjoyed every minute, I feel next summer might be the right time for a new challenge.”

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