Planet Swans ArchivesThe Swansea City manager was speaking after a section of the support booed Pratley upon his introduction on Sunday. Some fans are annoyed that Pratley has expressed his desire to leave Swansea at the end of his contract.
“The kid has come in for a lot of stick, but I think it’s worth pointing out that if we go back to the summer, he wanted to sign (a new contract) here” Rodgers told the Evening Post
“But it went on and on and on, it didn’t quite get agreed, and it was put to bed so he could concentrate on his football. He wanted to put it on the back-burner and concentrate on doing his very best for Swansea City.
“This is player who was top-scorer last year, and no-one can argue with his commitment in the last couple of seasons.
“Now all of a sudden we are in a situation where people are starting to question his commitment, but he is a kid who wants to be here — simple.
“I know that better than anyone because I talk to him and I see it every day in training.
“For me nothing has changed,” Rodgers added.
“Darren wants to give his all for this club. One of the things he said to me when I first came in was that he owes this club a lot. The last thing he wants to do is walk out so the club don’t get a penny for him.
“He has a real affinity with this club — he loves being here and he loves the supporters.
“But he is in the last year of his contract and he has to think longer term.
“The supporters have loved him as he has loved them and, if we are going to progress as a team, we need the supporters behind everyone.
“We have to work on towards the end of the season — we are a happy camp and we must try to keep it that way.
“Let’s stick together and see where it takes us.”
