• Premier League

Gera not thinking of retiring

Zoltan Gera has a knee injury © Getty Images

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West Bromwich Albion midfielder Zoltan Gera says he has not thought about retirement and has targeted being fit for pre-season after suffering his second serious knee injury in three years.

Gera, 33, ruptured a cruciate ligament last month, and his future at The Hawthorns is in doubt with his contract running out at the end of the season.

Albion have the option of extending the Hungary international's deal for a further 12 months, and he said he wants to play for the Baggies again next season.

"I would love to get back for pre-season as I did last year. If not, that's OK. I don't mind. I just want to be fit and strong because that's the most important thing," he said.

"I don't want to push myself because I want a new contract or want to start pre-season. The most important thing is to get ready, be strong with my knee and make sure everything is fine. When the time comes to start training, I will do it."

Gera faces several months of rehabilitation and said the only way he would stop playing was if doctors told him he should.

"When the time comes we will speak about it [a contract extension], but it is early," he said. "It is a fresh injury and the club are supporting me.

"If I need to stop football now, I'll still feel good because I've played in England for nine years. If I need to stop I'll stop, but I don't think about that.

"I keep positive because I want to play football and I love football - I want to play as long as I can. I could retire happy, but I don't intend to. I have come back once and I will come back again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.