Midfielder Paul Scharner is leaving West Bromwich Albion after four years but would prefer a berth in the Premier League despite receiving offers from abroad.
When asked about his future, the 32 year old said:
"I am proud to be the only Austrian player to reach 200 appearances in the Premier League and now I'm looking to make it count. I always said my target was 10 years at this level."
Scharner then stressed the importance of the Baggies keeping hold of their leading players after head coach Roy Hodgson's departure to take charge of England.
He said: "If they set the right targets then, of course, they can keep climbing - but it depends on how confident the club is now.
"Survival shouldn't be the minimum. We have seen in the last two seasons that we can compete with the top half of the table and it should be definitely the target for the future.
"But it is very important to keep most of the squad because there is high potential.
"If they don't lose too many players there is a really good chance to establish the club in the Premier League and to continue in the future to reach an even bigger target.
"I'm sure the club officials are searching very hard for the right manager and I'm sure they will get that." "Let's see. There are a few interested people, from other leagues abroad as well. But if you play eight seasons in the Premier League, then of course you want to stay in it.
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