Jermaine Pennant received another opportunity to prove himself at Stoke City after the club gave him a new one-year deal to keep him at the club at least until the end of next season.
Pennant would have seen his contract ended with Stoke at the end of the month, but the 30-year-old winger will remain at the Britannia with new manager Mark Hughes a big admirer of the 30-year-old winger's talents.
"I've admired Jermaine from afar and there is no question about his ability," Hughes told the club's official website.
"I am looking to introduce more creativity and attacking options to the side, qualities Jermaine can certainly offer us."
"I had a very positive meeting with him and it's now up to him to show everyone what he is capable of doing."
Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes said the club have an option to extend Pennant's deal by more than a year if matters go according to plan.
"We have been impressed with Jermaine's determination to prove any doubters wrong," he said.
"He clearly had a difficult time last season, but the Stoke fans love him and he loves them. We believe that at 30 years of age, he still has a lot to offer.
"The one year contract, which has the option to be extended beyond that, has been structured in a way which should ensure he focuses on his performances on the field."
Former Arsenal winger Pennant, who has struggled to live up to the expectations pretty much during his entire career, said staying at Stoke was always his first option.
"It's a new era for the club, we've got a new manager and hopefully we can take that big step forward that all the fans want," he told Stoke City Player.
"A big part of me staying at this club was the fans. From the day I signed for the club, they have been absolutely fantastic.
"I've had people wishing me all the best whether it's at Stoke or elsewhere. Everyone has been asking me to stay and sign again, but that was out of my hands a little bit. I'm very happy to have signed this new deal.
"Getting the call was great news. In fact, it has been difficult not to say anything for the last two weeks and keep quiet, which is what I was advised to do."
Pennant said he was impressed by Hughes after having a conversation with the manager.
"I've spoken to Mark Hughes and he has made a great impression," Pennant added. "He explained to me that he wants the club to go forward. We've been in the Premier League for five seasons and now we have got a base it's all about taking the next step forward.
"With the players we've got and with Mark's attributes we can definitely be one of those teams in the top half of the table."
