Jermaine Pennant "very happy" to extend Stoke City stay

Jermaine Pennant has said that he is "very happy" to have signed a new contract with Stoke City.

The Potters announced that the 30-year-old will remain with the club for another season earlier today.

The winger told the club's website: "It's a new era for the club, we've got a new manager and hopefully we can take that big step forward that all the fans want. A big part of me staying at this club was the fans. From the day I signed for the club, they have been absolutely fantastic.

"I've had people wishing me all the best whether it's at Stoke or elsewhere. Everyone has been asking me to stay and sign again, but that was out of my hands a little bit. I'm very happy to have signed this new deal.

"Getting the call was great news, in fact, it has been difficult not to say anything for the last two weeks and keep quiet, which is what I was advised to do."

Pennant initially joined Stoke in 2010 on loan from Real Zaragoza before signing a permanent deal in 2011.