Rhys Williams is looking to put all the apparent fuss regarding his new Middlesbrough contract behind him.
The Australian international was being linked with a Riverside Stadium departure late last year and during the January transfer window with the likes of Bolton, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion all showing interest.
But Williams insists he always wanted to stay with Boro and is looking to gain promotion to the Premier League now he has committed himself to the Teessiders.
"I've never been in to see the manager (Tony Mowbray) or the chairman to say I wanted to leave.
"I get along with the manager, I get along with all the boys, I've been here since I was a kid, so I know the area. I'm really settled so I'm delighted it's been sorted.
"Knowing that the chairman turned down a deal made me feel more wanted here and after that I rang up and said 'Let's get this thing sorted'. I'm happy here and if the chairman thinks that highly of me, then why not stay? I'm ready to kick on now."
He added: "I want to get us into the Premier League. Everyone wants to play in the Premier League and I want to do it with this club.
"I don't see the point of going anywhere else and being a squad player when I can be here with the lads I've grown up with and take Middlesbrough up.""I've always said I wanted to stay," the 23-year old told the Evening Gazette.