It only took a couple of seconds. A final check of the words, a signature at the bottom of the page. Job done. But it was a job I appreciated this week more than ever.
I’m absolutely delighted to have extended my contract with Stoke, which takes me through to the end of next season. I can’t thank the club enough for sorting things out so quickly and it means everything that Mark Hughes wants me in his squad for another year.
The gaffer said it was a straightforward decision from his point of view because my attributes – being good in the air, touch and awareness – have never changed and won’t diminish with age.