Birmingham City midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld has told the Dutch media he will head back to the Netherlands one day but for the time being he wants to remain in England.
The 28 year old joined the Championship side from FC Groningen.
Speaking to Voetbal International, the Birmingham City player was asked about his plans for the future: “I will go back to the Netherlands soon. Living again in a familiar environment. But that may well take a few more years. As a footballer I can maintain it in England for a long time. In the Netherlands, clubs do not invest so fast in boys in their thirties, here at that age you can sign from a year to four.
“My contract with Birmingham runs for another year after this season, the club has an option for an extra year. I wait quietly, in this world nothing is certain.”
Kieftenbeld has been a regular in Garry Monk’s team this season, starting 12 of Birmingham City’s league games. In total the Dutchman has made over 130 appearances for the Blues since joining the club three years ago.
From the player’s comments it seems he’s determined to play his peak years in England and there’s nothing to suggest he’ll be leaving Birmingham City soon given he signed a contract extension with the club just under 12 months ago.
The central midfielder looks central to Monk’s long term plans and with the Midlands club just outside the play off places, Kieftenbeld will be key for the remainder of the season.
ND
