AIK fans plead with Boateng to stay

More than two thousand fans of Swedish giants AIK Solna have signed a petition pleading with Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng to stay with the club.

The 23-year-old's contract with AIK expires in December and there are fears that he might quit for a bigger league in Europe.

But the star of Ghana's 2001 under-20 team says despite the massive support of he received from the fans in hard times, he is yet to make up his mind.

"These fans were there for me when I was facing difficulties in my career and it is only right that I pay them back when I have regained my confidence and on top of my game," Boateng told Ghanaweb.

"Any world-class player will like to play in the top leagues of Europe so I need to think through this thing very carefully for my career and also to be in the eyes of the public as I fight to regain my place in the national team.

"It will be a very diffcult to make this decision as I need time to consider the AIK offer for an extension carefully."

Boateng, who was on the verge of joining Manchester United from Panathinaikos four years ago, saw a dip in form after facing some personal problems which resulted in his off loading by the Greek club.

He regained his form last season and was the main catalyst in the AIK's return to the top league.

Boateng led the Black Satellites to a silver medal at the under-20 World Cup in Argentina in 2001.