Graeme Murty wants to play on for a few more years before ending his career with Reading.
Reading skipper determined to earn new deal
Graeme Murty has declared that he wants to play on for a few more years before ending his career with Reading.
Murty has been with the club for ten years and has been granted a testimonial for the start of next season.
But he insists that will not signal the end for him as he is determined to add to his 336 Reading appearances and earn a new deal.
"I'm not sitting here thinking 'that is it, I have a testimonial'," Murty told the
Reading Evening Post.
"When my career is over then I can look back with pride and look at the things I have achieved, but this is not the time because there is still so much I want to achieve.
"There are no pats on the back now because there's work to be done. The reason why this club has been so successful is because we are always looking to improve.
"When I finish playing I can look back with pride, but that day is some way off.
"I have one more year left here on my contract and after that I would like to earn another year. I definitely want to keep going."
Special place
Murty is currently battling back from a knee injury and is set to play for Reading's reserves against Portsmouth on Tuesday.
"At the moment I am just looking to getting fit," said the 33-year-old.
"I love playing for this club and if they want me, I would love to finish my career here.
"I still think I have a few more years in me. I have a lot to give to the team and the squad."
Murty accepts that in the modern game players are constantly moving between clubs, but he is proud to have spent almost all his career at Reading.
He said: "Reading FC is a special place.
"When I first came here I never thought I would stay here for 10 years or we'd even be in the Premier League. But it is testament to what we are about.
"I have given good service, but I have been repaid ten-fold by everyone involved with the club.
"Everyone has been brilliant with me and that makes all the hard work and sacrifice worth while.
"I work with fantastic people and have built some really good relationships. I think I have a good rapport with the fans."
