Voted player of the month for Amiens SC in March, Erik Pieters is enjoying himself on loan from Stoke City.
Sent to France in the last few hours of the January transfer window, the Dutch defender revealed to Le 11 Amiénois he packed his bags in 10 minutes in order to make his flight to France, finally getting the deal over the line at around 10pm local time.
Since then, the Stoke loanee has performed well for the Ligue 1 side, who are currently unbeaten in six league games, even if four of them have been draws, most recently picking up a point at home against Saint-Etienne (2-2).
Off the back of his player of the month award, the defender sat down with the website for the long interview, where he also discussed his future and the lack of certainty around it.
He said: “If I knew what was going to happen, it would be a bit more relaxing. I have a year left with Stoke after this loan, so normally I have to meet the board to find out if my deal will be renewed or if I have to leave. I’ll wait and see what Stoke want. I’m preparing my future, that’s why I came here on loan.
“The manager wasn’t guaranteeing me enough game time. I think I deserved a chance over there, but I didn’t get it, which is why I left the club. I’m working hard to show Stoke and other clubs that I have what it takes to play and that I’m a good player.”
As for a potential stay with his current side next season: “I’ll never say no. The club really surprised me and I really like that. You never know what to expect in the world of football, so I’m excited to see what the future holds and I’m ready.
“My main aim is to ensure Amiens’ safety in Ligue 1, and after this season, all the options will be looked at to see where I’ll go and where I’ll be playing.”
As things stand, the club sit 17th in the table, seven points ahead of 18th with seven games to go.
They should be fine, and an away win against Dijon, who are just below them in the standings, on Friday would likely guarantee them another year in France’s top league.
Another opportunity for Pieters to step up and show Stoke and everyone else what he’s capable of.
