Rob DaviesJamie Paterson says that he understands if fans were angry with his situation during the January window, but has said he would like to commit his longer term future to the club.
The midfielder returned yesterday and fitted in seamlessly, providing an assist for Michael Obafemi’s match winning goal and he received a warm reception from the home fans.
After the disagreement that saw him miss five Championship games it was anticipated that Paterson would leave the Swansea.com Stadium in January but despite three bids from QPR, nobody would offer the rumoured ยฃ750k that the club wanted.
The former Bristol City man is now happy to commit to the club long term, but admits it is a decision for the club to make, again reiterating that he did not refuse to play.
He also discusses his mental health, and says that the whole situation is something he is happy to put behind him – which will no doubt be music to the ears of fans and the club alike.
Paterson’s contract ends in the summer of 2023 after the extension to his one year deal.
“I love it here. Everyone knows I love it,” Paterson told the BBC.
“I love playing under the gaffer, I love the lads, so I have got no reason to leave the football club.
“To stay at Swansea (is my long term goal). It’s up to them. If they want to keep me here long term, it’s not up to me.
“That’s all I can really say. I am back playing, I am enjoying my football again.
“Sometimes you have just got to park things and move on, stay positive and get back to playing.”
On the reaction from the fans yesterday, Paterson said: “That gave me the confidence just to follow up from the games [I have played] before – I felt like I slotted straight in.
“I felt okay fitness-wise as well, but that little boost from the fans always helps and I am just glad I repaid them with an assist.
“I don’t blame any of the fans if some of them are angry over the situation, it’s understandable.
“But I think they are an honest bunch and as long as they see me giving 100% on the pitch, they are happy and I am happy.”
On his mental health, Paterson said: “I was honest with the gaffer and he was honest with me – our relationship was sturdy as ever.
“The gaffer knew my situation before when I got injured [at Bristol City] and ended up without a club – it was a difficult period for me.
“Sometimes I feel like it’s better to be honest with people instead of holding your emotions in. In football, a lot of players haven’t really got the bravery or don’t want to come out and say they are struggling.
“I am buzzing to be back playing football, that’s all I want to do.
“I never refused to play. I think everybody knows that.
“Me and the gaffer had an honest conversation about how I was struggling and that’s how it panned out in the end.
“Things come out in media that make things a lot more difficult to navigate through.
“But I think we did that perfectly. I am back on the pitch now and playing, so it’s testament to our relationship that that’s how it panned out.
“We have got 20-odd games of the season left and I want to score and assist as many as I can.”
