John Ruddy has ended all speculation over his immediate future by signing a new four-year contract to keep him at Norwich City.
The 27-year-old was the subject of interest from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, with speculation suggesting Jose Mourinho failed with at least two bids for his signature. The Portuguese coach was keen to land some top competition for Petr Cech, and finally gave up on the Norwich ace when he lured Mark Schwarzer on a free transfer.
Any thoughts of the Stamford Bridge coach returning for Ruddy when the window reopens in January have now been abolished, after it was confirmed that the goalkeeper has signed a new deal which is designed to keep him at Carrow Road until 2017, and this includes an option which could extend this agreement for a further 12 months.
“I’m more than happy to commit my long-term future to the club,” the shot-stopper told the club’s official website on Thursday. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Norwich City – everyone has been very supportive. The whole club, the players and staff I have worked with have been fantastic. I’ve broken into the England squad while at Norwich, and without the opportunity they gave me I wouldn’t have been anywhere near it.”
With Manchester City’s Joe Hart suffering what it appears to be a serious crisis of confidence in recent weeks, it has raised the suggestion that his place as England’s number one is far from confirmed. And although Norwich are currently in the relegation zone, Ruddy, who has one cap for his country, has been in impressive form.