England

Matthew Bates Happy To Stay With Middlesbrough

The versatile youngster has no regrets...

Jul 4, 2009 10:38:15 PM

EPL: Matthew Bates - Luis Boa Morte, West Ham United - Middlesbrough (PA)

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EPL: Matthew Bates - Luis Boa Morte, West Ham United - Middlesbrough (PA)

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Matthew Bates

Midfield maestro Matthew Bates has reaffirmed his decision to stay with Middlesbrough, despite the club's relegation from the Premier League.

The 22-year-old had attracted much attention from Premier League sides after Boro suffered from the drop, but Bates is insistent that he made the right decision by staying loyal to the Riverside outfit.

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

"It's 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."

Stephen Crawford, Goal.com