Zoltan Gera wants to repay Albion for their treatment of him during his second serious knee injury at the club after signing a new one-year deal.
The Hungarian international missed the second half of the season after suffering an injury to his cruciate ligament in January and has undergone rehabilitation at the club this summer – despite being officially out of contract.
The fans’ favourite travelled with the club during its pre-season tour to Austria and, although he didn’t play, Gera thanked the club for making him feel wanted.
“I’m very happy to sign a new deal,” said the Hungarian.
“The second half of last season was frustrating and it is a good feeling to have the chance to get back playing again.
“It’s a great opportunity and I’m so happy here.
“I also wanted to stay here because over the course of my injuries everyone has supported me.
“Over the months the coaching staff and players have been encouraging me and, even though my contract expired, they all still treated me as a player who was staying here.
“It also meant a lot going out on the pre-season tour to Austria.
“So, I never worried or doubted I was staying here.
“The physios and doctor know me and what I need to do to get back fit.
“You can’t imagine better treatment than I’ve had here.
“I just want to play again and the main target for me is to go through the season with no injuries.
“The doctor and the physios have done a fantastic job for me over the months.
“But I don’t want to see them anymore in this season!
“Over the last four weeks I have worked very hard doing fitness work.
“I need another week and then I can get back training with the team.
“That’s a good feeling.
“Then I will need around another four weeks to get match fit and, if things go right, I will start to play.”
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