Charlton midfielder Jordan Cousins has revealed signing a new four-year deal was a payback for Addicks’ fans support for the youngster throughout his career.
The 21-year-old committed his future to the club on Friday afternoon prior to Guy Luzon’s side’s 2-2 pre-season draw with Bolton at the Macron Stadium.
Just over 70 hardy away followers made the long trip to the north west - and it was that level of dedicated support which inspired Cousins to sign his new contract.
The academy graduate said: “I’m very delighted to have signed the new deal.
“I’m so comfortable here, it’s my tenth season and it’s good to commit my future to the club.
“It’s a payback to those fans who have supported me.”
Cousins played 45 minutes at Bolton before being withdrawn with a slight knock, but the youngster is adamant that his side are well prepared ahead of their opening league fixture against QPR on Saturday.
He said: “QPR are a great side but we are going to focus on ourselves.
“We just need to make sure that we are ready.
“As a team, first half (at Bolton) we did very well and it was good to be getting the positions to score goals.
“I’m sure we’ll work on our finishing in the week and be right for Saturday.”
The Greenwich-born star was selected on the left-side of midfield instead of his preferred central role at Bolton.
And Cousins is likely to remain there against QPR as new signings Christian Ceballos and Zakarya Bergdich are still preparing to be match fit.
He said: “The gaffer has spoken me during the week about playing a couple of the games on the left hand side of midfield,
“So it was good to try it out at Bolton ahead of the game against QPR next weekend.
“I enjoyed it out there.”
Cousins does not have any particular personal aims ahead of the new campaign, with the exception of maintaining his role in the side throughout the season.
“First and foremost all I want to do is play in the team,” Charlton’s 2015 player of the year revealed.
“There is a lot of competition, so my first goal is to get in the team.
“And then I just want to keep on carving out good performances.”
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