Stoke defender Bruno Martins Indi says he is not allowing the thought of a permanent contract to play on his mind and is focused on working hard for the club during his loan spell.
The Netherlands international joined Stoke, who are priced at 7.50 to be relegated, during the summer transfer window on a season-long loan deal, while the Premier League side have the option to buy at the end of the campaign.
Martins Indi had been linked with a move away from Porto for some time and he now has the opportunity to prove his quality in England during 2016-17.
The 24-year-old says he is delighted to join Mark Hughes’ squad and eager to fight for a regular starting place but he won’t apply any added pressure by thinking about a permanent deal yet.
The defender could make his Premier League debut against Tottenham on Saturday and hopes his hard work on the training pitches won’t go unnoticed by Hughes.
Martins Indi said: “I put that positive pressure on me. Then at the end of the season, or when the clubs want to, that’s for later. Let’s first focus on the first game.
The details of the contract are for the future. “I am here, I am happy to be here and I need to work hard. I just focus on the next training and the next game.
That’s the most important.” The former Feyenoord man was welcomed by some familiar faces at Stoke, having previously played alongside Gianelli Imbula, Erik Pieters and Ibrahim Afellay.
Martins Indi admitted he needs to be prepared for a different style of football in England but feels he is ready to embark on a new challenge.
He added: “I am happy to be here. It’s going to be a new challenge in my career, so I look forward to playing my first game.
It’s very physical and fast, so I need to be prepared for it. We will see how well I manage that. But to be in the Premier League, finally it’s a dream that comes true.”
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