Heart told me to stay - Bates

Published: 04 Jul 2009 - 09:50:00

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