West Bromwich Albion midfielder James Morrison has confirmed that he may be leaving The Hawthorns this summer.
The Scotland international is out of contract at the end of June and, while the club haven’t completely severed times with the player, he is currently slated to leave the Baggies.
Now, the 33-year-old has had his say: “If the new manager wants a bit of experience around and invites me back in then I’ll take it with both hands,” he told the Express & Star. “But I can’t afford to not take other chances, I’ve got to look after myself.
“Even if I did get a contract at West Brom, do I need a fresh challenge so I can play week in, week out? When I left Middlesbrough to come to West Brom, that buzz of a new environment was a new lease of life. Over 12 years, sometimes it goes.”
OPINION
It’s great to see a footballer be so introspective and speak about their future so openly and honestly. He knows that he’s coming to the end of the line in terms of his career, both with West Brom and with his footballing journey in general. The veteran is aware that he may not be offered a new contract with the Baggies, indeed it’s probably highly unlikely at this moment in time, and so he’s ready to look for other opportunities if they’re out there. Like he says, that buzz of being at a new club goes after a while, and he has certainly been with West Brom for quite some time. Morrison could yet be invited back, of course. As he says, he offers top flight and Championship experience which the new manager may find valuable. Having said that, you’d have to say that the smart money at the moment is on the Scot departing The Hawthorns this summer.