Max Gradel has rowed back from comments where he suggested that Saint-Etienne are unambitious and need to show intent for him to remain at the club this summer.

The former Leeds United forward has been in lethal form for Les Verts this season and bagged a brace yesterday in the club's final Ligue 1 match of the season, a 2-1 win over Guingamp, to take his total for the campaign to 17.




Saint-Etienne have finished fifth and Gradel was keen to strike a conciliatory tone after the match.

"It was a great season, even if we had a dip in the winter. We've ended beautifully and if we had said that we would be fighting against Marseille and Monaco at the end of the championship, I wouldn't have believed it", he told reporters.
 

 

"The work of my team-mates put me in good shape and the decisions of the coach allowed me to play well", the 27-year-old continued.

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"I have the chance to play at a club like Saint-Etienne and it's fun. I could stay here all my career."

Gradel, who has spoken warmly about the possibility of returning to play his football in England, a country he says holds his heart, also suggested that he may be prepared to forego heading back across the channel.

"England? Yes, I like England of course.

"But I could also stay", Gradel concluded.

It remains to be seen where the forward will be playing his football next season, but he is sure not to be short of suitors given his positive campaign in the French top flight.

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