Bryan Ruiz: Looked set for a Fulham departure this summer

Bryan Ruiz admits he thought he was set for a Fulham exit this summer, but insists he will now give his all and honour his contract after a move away failed to materialise.

Ruiz, who spent the second half of last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, was widely expected to leave the club following relegation to the Sky Bet Championship with one year remaining on his deal at Craven Cottage.

Ajax, Olympiakos and Werder Bremen were among the clubs reported as possible destinations for the 29-year-old, but nothing materialised and he is now looking to force a way into Felix Magath’s thinking.

Ruiz told his official website: "It’s been a tough month because there were some transfer options, but at the end there was no agreement between the teams and Fulham.

"It is a bit hard because I felt like my time there was up, and I was looking forward to a new challenge, but it didn’t happen. I still have a contract with Fulham, so I have to fulfil it.

"It (trying to negotiate a move) was exhausting in the way that ever since I arrived both the coach and the board of directors allowed me to leave, but at the same time I had the chance of training with the team.

"I’m a person who likes challenges and never backs down. It is true that I didn’t expect to stay one more year, but I will face a new challenge, which is helping the team in the Championship.

"I feel physically good, fully motivated after the World Cup. I was expecting something else, but it didn’t happen. Only God knows why things happen."

Fulham have endured a difficult start to life back in the second tier – losing four and drawing one of their opening five games – and Ruiz is hoping to play his part in turning their fortunes around.

"Now it’s my turn to help the team as much as I can," he said.

"They have had a tough start after five matches they haven’t been able to win. Well, it’s a hard tournament, I’ll try to provide experience and enthusiasm.

"Playing in the Championship is not easy. Even though it is the British second division, it can be compared to the first division of countries with top- level soccer.

"In fact, there have been FA Cup matches where second and third division teams have eliminated Premier League teams."