Boudewijn Zenden has opened contract negotiations with Sunderland, but the 34-year-old hopes to receive assurances that he will continue to play a significant role for Steve Bruce’s team before committing himself to the Stadium of Light for another season.
The former Holland international has become a substantive figure during Bruce’s tenure, but although Zenden relishes responsibility in his role as Sunderland’s club captain — Lee Cattermole leads the side on match day — playing remains his priority.
Zenden’s present deal expires this summer, but Bruce has already spoken to him in an informal capacity about signing an extension. The midfield player arrived in the North East on a free transfer in October 2009 and has enjoyed a late flourish to his career on Wearside.
“The manager has spoken about his intention for me to go on for another year,” said Zenden, who, among others, has previously played for Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Liverpool. “It’s definitely an option, but we obviously have to see what works and what doesn’t. I have to see what other things are possible for myself and the club.
“How much of a part I have to play — that is the issue again this time. I’ve played quite a lot — I have more than 20 appearances this season, but the note I can make is that some of them have been for the last five minutes. You take them off and you wonder how it will be next season.
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“It is not just a matter of putting some financial figures together — it is about the whole intentions of the club. I don’t just want to be at Sunderland to be here, I want to be important as well. I know off the pitch is important, but playing a part on it is more important.
“I can’t comment too much as yet because the only chat so far has been the intention to sort something out. The club has made that intention clear but nothing more has been said.
“I am enjoying this season, because I’m playing more, I’m involved more. The side-note is those last-minute substitutions — they’re not as nice. But I’m enjoying it. When the results are there, the whole atmosphere is different.”
Zenden has been nursing a minor injury, but is expected to return for Sunderland’s home match against Liverpool a week on Sunday. “I am much better,” he said. “I had a slight problem in my calf that took me out of the game against Arsenal, but it has settled down well. I trained on Tuesday and if everything goes well I have a full week leading to Liverpool.”