Fulham will flourish in Premier League, says loan star Mitrovic

Aleksandar Mitrovic is sure Fulham will flourish in the Premier League next season – with or without him.

Slavisa Jokanovic’s swashbuckling side ended their fouryear absence from the top flight by digging deep to beat Aston Villa and win Saturday’s Championship play-off final at Wembley.

Fulham defender Denis Odoi’s sending-off brought a nervy ending to proceedings, but captain Tom Cairney’s goal proved enough in a 1-0 win that will live long in the memory.

Promotion surely makes the immediate future of the likes of Cairney, Ryan Sessegnon and Ryan Fredericks more secure, while putting the west Londoners in a stronger position to tie up on-loan stars.

Mitrovic is among those who has shone brightly in attack since his deadline-day loan move from Newcastle United in January, becoming an influential and popular figure at Craven Cottage.

“I don’t know,” the Serbia striker said of his future. “Of course I am really happy here. I had the best three-and-a-half, four months of my career.

“I am still a Newcastle United player. I have two years left on my contract, so we will see.

“I want to enjoy now. I have one day to rest and then I have to work hard and I will focus on that. I have people – my agent and people who speak with the clubs – and we will

0 Aleksander Mitrovic celebrates with the trophy at Wembley. see what happens. I just want to enjoy the moment. I am really happy now.”

Mitrovic grinned as he reflected on Saturday’s “really unbelievable” triumph and believes Jokanovic’s side are set up to thrive in the top division. “Of course Fulham will be successful in the Premier League, for sure,” he said.

“I say we will see what hap- pens [with my future]. I am really happy here and I just want to enjoy the moment.

“I am delighted with the style we play, the players, with the staff. Every part. The fans really help a lot and I think I play some of the best football in my life, the last four months, and I really enjoyed it.”

Meanwhile, Richard Wood scored a captain’s brace yesterday to help Rotherham secure a 2-1 victory in the Sky Bet League One play-off final against Shrewsbury, sending the Millers back to the Championship. Wood, whose firsthalf goal was cancelled out by Alex Rodman, bundled home his second in the first half of extra-time to give the Millers a deserved win at Wembley.