They may be multi-millionaires but the credit crunch can still make footballers anxious. Sunderland are unwilling to sign Djibril Cisse permanently from Marseilles while they remain in relegation peril because the fee has become more expensive because of the weakened pound. The striker said today that the uncertainty about his future is affecting his form.

“It is not nice to worry about where I am going to be in a few months. It is not just affecting me, I have family and children to think about. It is really annoying me,” Cisse, on a season-long loan at the Stadium of Light, said.

“I would like to know as soon as possible where I’m going to be next season but it is not me who decides. The board must make a decision. I know things have changed because the British currency is not as strong. We also still need to get points to make sure we stay in the Premier League - that’s everyone’s priority at the moment.”

Cisse has scored ten goals for Sunderland this season and hopes to stay on. “It is no one’s fault that the decision is not made but I still need to know,” he said. “I am very lucky to have a good connection with the fans, and I am still learning the culture of the club. We will see what happens.”