Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers closing in on signing of former Stoke City midfielder

Blackburn Rovers are reportedly closing in on the signing of Glenn Whelan according to the Lancashire Telegraph.

The former Stoke City midfielder spent last season at Aston Villa but he has now been released following their promotion to the Premier League.

The 35-year-old has joined up with the Republic Of Ireland squad but has stated that despite his release from the Midlands club he is not yet ready to retire from football.

Whelan faces an uncertain future but explains that he has played with footballers who have continued in their late 30’s and early 40’s and is not yet ready to hang up his boots.

“I’ve played with some lads who have gone on to play until they were 38, 39 – I was at Manchester City at the time that Stuart Pearce was there and I think he was still playing top level at 39 or 40.”

“I won’t hang around. I won’t be like a bad smell, I’ll know that when I’m done, I’m done. But if I can make an impact, some sort of impact, then I am more than happy to stick around.”

The Irish international has been fairly lucky throughout his career with injuries and wants to continue playing wherever that may be.

His release from Aston Villa didn’t really come as much of a surprise and he received a call from boss Dean Smith informing him of their decision but Whelan holds no grudges.

“We just congratulated each other, wished each other all the best and that was it. There were no hard feelings – I’ve been in the game too long to hold grudges.”

Whelan insists his sole focus is on his country but he is prepared for any offers which may come his way and wants to ensure he has a chance of playing at whichever club shows an interest in him.

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