Bolo Zenden has confirmed he intends to depart Sunderland in the summer in order to prolong his career.
Veteran midfielder confirms he will leave Sunderland in the summer
Bolo Zenden has confirmed he intends to depart Sunderland in the summer in order to prolong his career.
The Black Cats club captain, who arrived on Wearside in 2009, has failed to tie down a regular first-team spot this season, with the majority of his appearances since January coming off the bench.
Sunderland's injury problems mean the 34-year-old former Dutch international has enjoyed rare starts in their last two games, including Saturday's home defeat to Wolves.
But the frustrated midfielder, who is out of contract in the summer, says that clash was almost certainly the last he will play for the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light.
He told the
Sunderland Echo: "That was my last home game - it's more than likely to be, anyway. I had a chat with the manager last week and explained the situation.
"I just want to be able to play a bit more. I've played the last two games, but it's not nice to have to wait until 10 people are injured before you get an opportunity.
Important
"It's been a season of two halves, where I played a lot more in the first half of the year than the second.
"I still think I can play at this level and that's why it's important to play more regularly because that makes it easier to keep going."
Zenden, a former Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona player, admits Saturday's result was disappointing after Sunderland dominated the first half only to collapse after the break.
"It's easy to say you lose 3-1 at home and it's very bad," he said. "But they had four chances and scored three, which is frustrating.
"With the chances we had, we were disappointed to come in at half-time level.
"I hit the woodwork, Cristian (Riveros) was almost in twice and it's hard to take that on the chin."
