April 6 2005

Andy Johnson

Andrew Johnson has pledged his future to Palace, by saying he won't walk out on the club even if they are relegated.

Johnson who has hit 18 goals so far this season, has responded to speculation of him leaving Palace during the summer break, and joining a club like Newcastle or Liverpool.

The England striker who signed a 5 year deal with the Eagles last year said: "If we're down I'm not going to walk out on all the boys I've been friends with all these years,"

"The boys have been integral to my success and I dedicate all my goals to them.

"It is a pleasure to be linked with clubs like Newcastle and Liverpool and it just shows that I must be doing something right.

"But I'm dedicated to Palace. It's the place where I want to be and where I'm scoring my goals.

"I knew when I signed my five-year deal at the start of the season that if I scored 20 goals and became noticed I was still saying for five years. It's not a matter of 'if we go down I'm going to leave the club'. That's not how I think.

"If we go down I want to be the player to get the club back up. I'm not a big-time Charlie.

"I'm always ambitious and always want to play for England.

"Of course being in the Championship might not give me as good a chance but I have dedicated myself to the club.

"I want to stay and if we are down, I will still want to play for England, so it will be up to me to get the club promoted as soon as possible."