Paul Stalteri praised last Sunday's "team performance" at Fratton Park and spoke proudly of Fulham's end of season form which saw the Club secure their Premier League status on the final day of the 07/08 season.
“The defence came around in the last two or three months together", Stalteri explained. "We always knew if that we were going to stay up we needed to keep a lot of clean sheets, especially in the last few games. We did that and did well so all credit to the team. It was a team performance on Sunday and defending doesn’t just start with the back four, it comes with the two up front and they did that for us.
“The game at Manchester City was the key point in the season. At half-time we were relegated and it was a massive comeback. For us to win four of the last five games – all credit to the team. It shows the quality of the team and we played the teams at the bottom towards the end of the season and we beat them so I think we deserve to stay up.
“Over the last six games, when you look at our form, we’re probably in the top four or five in the league. But the season’s 38 games and we got off to a bad start and it’s very difficult to come out of that. Fortunately we kept going and had some massive results and when you take 12 out of 15 points you’re always going to give yourself a chance.”
Stalteri joined Fulham on loan in January with one sole objective - to help keep Fulham in the Premier League. As an integral member of Roy Hodgson's starting eleven since his arrival the Canadian international has certainly played his part and after the game on Sunday thanked the fans for their magnificent support.
“I feel very proud. My goal when I came here was to keep this Club in the Premier League. The last three months have been a grind and the longest three months I’ve had in my career in terms of pressure and ups and downs – but in the end it paid off for us.
“Thank you to the fans and all those who welcomed me into the team and the Club. I’ve enjoyed my time and I hope we can continue next season.”
