Stefanovic signed for Norwich on a free transfer from Fulham in 2008

Defender Dejan Stefanovic has pledged to stay and help Norwich get back into the Championship at the first attempt.

The 34-year-old former Serbia and Montenegro international is close to a full recovery from torn knee ligaments suffered last November.

City were relegated to League One on the final day of the season.

He told the club website: "I hope to stay here for another year and help them get back to the Championship. It's going to take hard work and quality."

The former Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and Fulham centre-half played just 12 games for City before rupturing anterior cruciate ligaments against Preston last autumn, and he admits it has been a tough road to recovery.

606: DEBATE If he keeps fit and wages are not too high this is a good bit of news Zogean_king

"It's been a difficult time, but I'm a mentally strong person anyway. This is the first major injury in my football career, but I'm totally ready now," he said.

"I saw the specialist yesterday who gave me the green light so I can go ahead now, It's just such a shame I couldn't take part last season but that's football, I cope with that and now I'm looking forward to next season."

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