“I can walk out of the stadium on Saturday night with my head held high because I know what I gave to the football club. You don’t play 270-odd games and play 11 years for one club if you don’t care about the club, and I really do. But it was more a decision for me and my family to move away. “Look, the fans will recognise me how they want to recognise me, but I think everyone realises how much I gave to that football club in some of the darkest times that club has had. I was front and centre and never shirked my responsibilities to do that.”
Phoenix striker Ben Waine has signed a new long-term deal with the club.
Wellington Phoenix have fended off strong interest from England to re-sign highly-rated striker Ben Waine on a new long-term deal. The Phoenix’s retention spree continued on Thursday with confirmation 19-year-old Waine had put pen to paper on a three-year contract extension, which will ensure the club collects a transfer fee if he is sold within the next three years.
Stuff understands English Championship club Coventry City had tabled an offer for the British passport holder, but he was keen to continue his development in the A-League following a breakout season with the Phoenix.
Ben Waine commits to Wellington Phoenix for three years a-league.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from a-league.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Teen star Ben Waine turns down England move to stay with Wellington Phoenix stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.