Sunday 18 September 2016 07:25, UK
Wilfried Bony has said he is focused on Stoke and not thinking about a return to Man City when his loan deal ends.
The former Swansea striker joined Stoke on loan for the season on Deadline Day, and made his first appearance for his new club during their 4-0 defeat to Tottenham.
He hopes a run of regular action will help him rediscover the form he showed in south Wales, when he scored 25 Premier League goals in 43 starts, but would not discuss his long-term future at parent club City.
"I spoke to my agent and to Pep [Guardiola], and to me it was clear to have the opportunity to play one season without an injury," Bony told Sky Sports. "I had the opportunity to come here [to Stoke] and to play, and that was the best thing.
"I have a contract with Man City. I am on loan here and I want to do my best, so I am focused on Stoke. The rest I don't know what will happen but the most important thing for me is to focus on where I am now."
Bony, who joined City in a £28m deal from Swansea in January 2015, said injuries were to blame for his inconsistent form at the Etihad.
"At Swansea [I played my best] because I was playing all year, all the time," Bony added. "It was different compared to Man City.
"Before I arrived there I knew I wasn't going to play every game, but I didn't know I would get a lot of injuries like what happened. I had a good three or four months until December but then I got injured again that kept me off the pitch for two months.
"It was quite difficult to come back and try to be my best. It's important to play. It was a very hard time for me but it's in the past now.
"For me, the present is Stoke and I want to focus on that."
Bony confirmed he had a number of options when it became clear he would leave City on loan, but said the quality of the players at the bet365 Stadium attracted him to Stoke.
"I got a few opportunities but the best for me was Stoke because I see the quality of the players and I see I can fit into the team," he continued.
"I can do better and start playing again. I can start enjoying football, which was important for me to come here."
Watch the full interview with Wilfried Bony before Crystal Palace against Stoke City, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 1.30pm
