Pennant happy at Stoke
Stoke midfielder Jermaine Pennant has said he wishes to remain in the Premier League after joining Tony Pulis' side on loan in August.
In the summer of 2009, Pennant left Liverpool for Spanish club Real Zaragoza on a three-year deal.
After a disappointing first season during which the 27-year-old scored no goals in 25 appearances, Pennant said he is glad to be back in his home country.
"I've missed the Premier League," he told Sky Sports News. "I've also missed having a team meet and understanding the instructions I'm getting."
Troubled time at Arsenal
In 1999, Pennant became the Premier League's most expensive trainee signing when Arsenal paid £2million to secure his arrival from Notts County.
But despite staying at the club until 2005, Pennant only made 12 appearances for Arsene Wenger's team. All three of his league goals came against Southampton in 2003.
His time at the London club was marred by home sickness, alcohol problems and a brief prison sentence for drunk driving. After several loan spells and a promising season with Birmingham City in 2005-2006, former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez signed Pennant in the summer of 2006.
Pennant put in good performances for Benitez, but his form wore off with time and he eventually fell out of the pecking order at the club.
English league the right recipe
After failing to restore his career in Spain, Pennant is hopeful that he can make a new start with Stoke, where his pace and dead-ball delivery may come in handy. If it does, there is a chance of his loan deal becoming a permanent contract.
"I'm just going to play the best I can and see what happens. My first mission is to help Stoke climb the table. If in January I can get a permanent move, great. The gaffer said he's hoping for a top-10 finish. He believes it and we believe it too."
Stoke play their next game in the Premier League against Aston Villa on Monday.
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