Birmingham City midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld has admitted that he wants to remain in England for the time being before returning to the Netherlands, after speaking to Dutch media outlet Voetbal International.

The 28-year-old has been a regular under Garry Monk this season and penned a contract extension at the club just under a year ago. He has made a total of over 130 appearances for the Blues since joining the club three years ago from FC Groningen.

The Dutchman's contract at St. Andrew's expires at the end of the 2019-20 campaign though, and the midfielder has admitted that he will return to his home country "soon".

"I will go back to the Netherlands soon - living in a familiar environment again," Kieftenbeld said.

"But that may well take a few more years - as a footballer I can maintain it in England for a long time. In the Netherlands, clubs do not invest so fast in boys in their thirties, here at that age you can sign from a year to four."

“My contract with Birmingham runs for another year after this season, the club has an option for an extra year. I wait quietly, in this world nothing is certain”, he added.

Kieftenbeld has been a solid performer in the heart of the Birmingham midfield this season, and the West Midlands club will be looking to make it five wins in seven as they prepare to take on Aston Villa next weekend.

The Verdict

Looking at Kieftenbeld's comments, it seems he’s determined to play his last few years in England.

The central midfielder is an integral player for Monk, and he will be a battler in Blues' quest for the playoffs.