Former Norway midfielder Alex Tettey knows what Norwich City's limitations will be next season – but he admitted their new contract offer has still not hit the mark.
The 31-year-old former Norwegian international midfielder is entering the final weeks of his current City deal, and has already acknowledged that extending his stay into a sixth year is unlikely.
Tettey revealed the Canaries have made an offer to keep him beyond the summer, following Tuesday's goalless draw at home to Nottingham Forest – more than John Ruddy received last summer when City felt unable to offer the goalkeeper something he would deem respectful, never mind accept.
Tettey joined Norwich at the height of their Premier League powers in 2012 but with City's sobering future without parachute payments awaiting, bringing the two together for another Championship battle still appears a thankless task.
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'This is me being completely honest now – there has been one offer from Norwich City,' said Tettey, who has predominantly worn the captain's armband in Ivo Pinto's absence since the turn of the year.
'We feel like it wasn't a good enough offer, and that is where it is. There hasn't been any communication after that, which I'm aware of.
'I really do understand the club's position. I really understand the way and the direction they will need to go from next season. I understand all of that.
'I'm not a greedy person asking for this or that. I'm not in control. I have people talking to the club and someone getting back to me.
'I respect Norwich and I know things are not going to be as they are this season. As you mention, it is difficult to take because the club since I've joined has always been either a Premier League club or a club that is going to the Premier League.
'But my head is not in contract talks or who is saying this or that. I just need to concentrate on staying fit, not getting banned as well, and helping the team if I'm called upon as much as I can. That's what it is for me now.'
Tettey has turned out 171 times for the Canaries, scoring six goals. Wes Hoolahan is the only player currently available to Daniel Farke with more City appearances to his name.
And regardless what happens from here, Tettey knows what his time at Norwich has brought – and aims to make sure the season finishes on a high.
Tettey added: 'I love playing for Norwich City. I love the city. The club has given me a lot, so I haven't said I'm not going to play for Norwich City. It's just a contract situation and when it's like this, anything can happen.
'The more time passes… As I've said, no one wants to be unemployed. So we will see what happens.
'We want to end on a high. That's what we're aiming for at the moment. Our heads are not down, we know where we are, we know a couple of wins with teams dropping points and instead of 14th in the Championship, we can be ninth or 10th. That's how tight it is, so we just need to keep going.'
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