June 8 2005

Gabor Kiraly

GABOR KIRALY has said that he is happy to stay at Palace next season, to help the club regain its Premiership status.

The Hungarian has caught the eye of several clubs during his time at Palace, for his impressive performances between the sticks.

He told Kepes Sport: "I've got some offers, but I don't want to say more about it. The fans will get to know in time if anything changes with me.

"In England, clubs don't sign players on the first day of the transfer window; the situation is the busiest in the last week before it closes.

"But one should know that there's not a big difference between the First and Second Division in England.

"Strong teams, beautiful and full stadiums, big struggles, fantastic atmosphere.

"It's no tragedy if I stay here."

He also expressed that he had no regrets joining Palace last year, despite interest from numerous other Premiership clubs.

"I don't regret anything," he asserted. "I'd choose Crystal Palace again.

"As I've already spoken about, in 2004, Liverpool, Manchester City and Portsmouth made approaches too, but I said 'yes' to Palace.

"At Liverpool, it was questionable if Jerzy Dudek stayed or not, as The Reds said they only needed me if he leaves. He didn't and I'm sure he hasn't regretted it.

"In Manchester, I would have only signed as the second choice behind the England international David James and I could hardly have got first team football there.

"Of course, I was happy to get an invitation from such a big football legend as Kevin Keegan, but it's not money or the club's past and fame that inspires me when choosing a club. All I wanted is to stand on the goal-line.

"I came to South London a bit late but, in spite of this, I could prove my abilities because I finished second behind Petr Cech on the goalkeepers' table of effectiveness.

"That's a point that others care about, but it would have been better to avoid relegation."