My first option was Reading - Sigi

Anthony Smith • Published 10 Jul 2010 09:00 0 Comments

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GYLFI Sigurdsson has admitted he had no intention of leaving Reading after signing an improved three-year contract.

A string of Premier league clubs were chasing the youngster, who cracked 20 goals last campaign to win the Chronicle-sponsored Player of the Season Award.

Fulham, Bolton, Newcastle and Wolves were rumoured to be tracking the hugely talented 20-year-old, but he put an end to the speculation by penning a bumper new deal at the Madejski Stadium.

And the Iceland international explained: "I'm happy with my contract and happy to stay for another three years.

"We've got a good chance of being promoted and doing well in the league next season. So it wasn't really a tough decision because I always wanted to be here.

"My first option was always Reading, they made me a good offer and I was happy to sign.

"The way we played after Christmas was a big part in my decision. We did so well and hopefully we can continue that into next season."

Yet even Sigurdsson has to pinch himself sometimes when he thinks back to summer 2009.

Having emerged through the Academy system, his aim at that time was purely to force his way into Brendan Rodgers' squad.

Yet he became a regular fixture in the side and one of the star performers in the Championship during his first full season at that level.

"My ambition last year was just to get into the team, be in the squad or be on the bench," he recalled. "So everything has changed a lot since then.

"It's a good thing and it shows the hard work I put into last season has got me through. It was Brendan who put me into the team and gave me my chance. Then when Brian McDermott came in the whole team started playing well so credit to both of them for giving me the opportunity."

Sigurdsson has now discarded his number 25 jersey and inherits the number eight shirt worn by Marek Matejovsky who has moved to Sparta Prague.

"I've got Marek's old number so I'm happy with that," he added. "I used to wear 10 when I was in the Academy, I wanted it again but Noel Hunt's got that so I went for number eight.

"But it's up to the gaffer where he wants me to play. Wherever that is I will do my best. I prefer playing down the middle like I did towards the end of last season but I don't mind playing on the left.

"I just can't wait for the first game against Scunthorpe to come around now."

Royals play their first pre-season friendly today (Saturday) at Farnborough which kicks off at 3pm.

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