Championship - Bates snubs clubs to stay

Eurosport - Sat, 04 Jul 14:41:00 2009

Matthew Bates has revealed a sense of loyalty helped his decision to snub offers of a return to the Premier League and sign a new contract at Middlesbrough.

2009 Middlesbrough Matthew Bates - 0

The versatile 22-year-old was one of Boro's rising young stars until three knee injuries hampered his progress but with the help of the club, he fought back to establish himself among Gareth Southgate's set-up last season.

His impressive displays caught the eye of various other sides and, with Boro suffering relegation to the Championship, he appeared on the verge of departing the Riverside.

"I made the right decision in the end, albeit a difficult one," he told the club`s website.

"I had the option to stay in the Premier League because there were several other clubs interested, but I feel staying with Middlesbrough was the right thing for me.

"This is my local club, I've been here since I was a young lad and I'm happy here.

"I'll be honest; there were times when I thought I would be leaving. It was about listening to my heart.

"I want to further my career but this club stood by me through my injuries so now I'm focused on helping them win promotion."

PA Sport

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  1. good man, proper man!!!

    From dodger, on Sun 5 Jul 12:59AM

  2. So there are still players loyal to their home towns­ great to see, but is it a pro atttude it is the lads­ living after all How many of us given the kind of­ rewards available would do the same very few.

    From not that kind of blue, on Sat 4 Jul 3:36PM

  3. What is it with these jokers from man city; so 'the­ boro' gave you a thrashing a couple of seasons­ ago!
    So what, big deal - get over it!
    Every club gets a­ hiding every now and again . . . (even the top teams),­ we don't see their fans carrying chips, no make­ that, potato fields on their shoulders do we!
    And­ please do remember that the ENTIRE country is laughing­ at your desperate club . . . . i hear even the man from­ Del Monte said NO!

    From cameron w, on Sat 4 Jul 1:23PM
  4. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    hahahaha laughing at MAN CITY eh NOW WHO`S LAUGHING AT­ WHO ...... HE WHO LAUGH`S LAST LAUGH`S BEST SO SULK­ .... W A N K ERS .............. C.T.I.D.

    From mcpluker, on Sat 4 Jul 11:55AM

  5. Good on im!

    From thechachman, on Sat 4 Jul 11:24AM
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