Benni: I want to finish my career at Blackburn Rovers
10:15am Friday 9th May 2008
BENNI McCarthy has revealed he wants to finish his career at Blackburn Rovers.
And he has warned strike partners Roque Santa Cruz and Jason Roberts that they'll have a fight on their hands next season as he bids to reclaim his forward role.
The 30-year-old ended speculation over his future last month when he signed a new three-year deal at Ewood Park tying him to the club until 2011.
And he admitted he would be happy to stay with Rovers until he hangs up his shooting boots.
He said: "I would easily (finish my career at Rovers), that's why I signed my new deal. I can see myself probably finishing my football here.
"There's a really nice atmosphere, it's a great family team and everyone is really nice here.
"No matter who you are, I can't see why you wouldn't want to finish your career here.
"You only have to look at Tugay and Brad Friedel. That's the examples I'm trying to follow."
The South African set the Premier League alight in his debut season after completing a £2.5 million move from Porto in 2006, scoring 24 goals, 18 in the league.
But following an unsettling summer last year, when he was linked with a move to Chelsea, coupled with the arrival of Santa Cruz, McCarthy has endured a disappointing season by his own high standards.
Although he has been in and out of the Rovers side, he has still managed 11 goals.
And he was confident in the next campaign that he could recapture his early form and prolific goalscoring touch.
He added: "Robbo and Roque's going to see a new player next season because I'll be back to my old self.
"There are no more distractions. I'll be coming back and enjoying every single day of the new season."