Bodde opts to stay with Swans
15 Jul 2008 - 13:49:27
One of the summer's longest-running transfer sagas has finally been resolved with Ferrie Bodde signing a new long-term contract at Swansea City.
The Dutch midfielder had been linked with a big-money transfer to Derby County only for the Swans to reject several offers from the Rams for the player's services.
Bodde admitted to City's official website: "It's been a long nine weeks and my head's been all over the place.
"Yes, I've made mistakes along the way and I'd like to apologise to the Swans fans for all the uncertainty.
"I had my head turned by outside parties offering me the world and telling me that Derby was a bigger club because of their Premiership status last season.
"I was mixed up and thought Derby was a step forward. But having spent a long time thinking about it and meeting up with the squad again, I realise that 'bigger' isn't always 'better'.
"I love the club and I realise now that Swansea can be as big as it wants to be. The foundation is in place and there's a bright future ahead.
"Deep down I never wanted to leave Swansea because it's the club that gave me my chance in British football and the fans welcomed me and my family with open arms."
