Altidore open to AZ Alkmaar stay

AZ Alkmaar striker Jozy Altidore says he is open to the idea of staying with the club beyond the current season.

The 23-year-old netted his third hat-trick of the campaign in the 6-0 victory over Utrecht at the weekend.

And he insisted he was happy at the club after Alkmaar boss Gertjan Verbeek claimed he expected the USA international to have done enough to secure a move to a bigger club.

“The coach said he expects me to leave in the summer? No. I like Alkmaar. It feels like home to me. I have developed tremendously as a player and as long as the club want me, I will stay here,” he told reporters.

Following the win over Utrecht, Altidore’s side moved six points clear of the relegation zone and the former Hull City striker says the morale-boosting victory can aid his club’s ascent up the table.

“It was really good for the self confidence of the team,” he added. “We now have seven points from our last three games, which is very good for us during this time.”

Altidore has netted 28 times in all competitions this season.