New Zealand international Ryan Thomas has earned a new contract with Dutch club PEC Zwolle after recovering from a serious knee injury which prematurely ended his last season.
Thomas (29) went out-of-contract at the end of the season but PEC Zwolle have confirmed the midfielder has agreed a new deal till mid-2025.
He has had two spells at the club, making 167 first team appearances.
Te Puke-born Thomas told PEC Zwolle’s website: “PEC Zwolle is my club and is really in my heart.
“Where I can, I want to help the club and my fellow players, just like everyone inside and outside the club has often supported me.
“I’m back on the field now, I’m experiencing a lot of fun and I’m going to do everything I can to be of value. I’m really looking forward to the new season.”
PEC Zwolle’s technical director Gerry Hamstra said: “Top sport is about wanting to get better every day.
“That is in Ryan’s DNA. Ryan is a great personality, has gained a lot of experience in his great career and is rightly a leader in our selection. I wish Ryan a wonderful season.”
Ryan’s career in Europe has been dogged by injury.
Before his latest injury, which required surgery, he missed two seasons due to injury, surgery, and rehabilitation, ruling him out of New Zealand national team consideration.
He has 19 All Whites caps, earned over a 10-year period.
Between spells at PEC Zwolle, he joined Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in 2018 but the former Melville United, Waikato FC and Western Suburbs player experienced a cruciate ligament tear, and needed two operations on his knee and ankle.
His last competitive game was in December 2023.
Main photo credit: PEC Zwolle.
This story was first published on August 3, 2024.
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