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Monk agreed a deal a week or so back but this was not revealed until this week when it was also announced that both Izzy Iriekpen and Bayo Akinfenwa would be leaving the club after failing to agree new deals. Fellow player Kris O’Leary is mulling over offers from both Swansea and Cheltenham and an announcement on him will be made next week when he returns from holiday.
“The gaffer has said to me all along that he wanted me to stay on as captain,” Monk revealed to the Evening Post. “We have had some long conversations over the summer and he stressed to me that was how he felt.
“That’s brilliant for me, especially after last year.
“I’d been part of a successful side the two previous seasons, so to get the injury when I took over as captain was a big blow. I wouldn’t have wanted that to be the way it ended for me at Swansea.
“I’ve been checking on the internet and in the papers and some of it has been ridiculous, “I think someone starts a rumour, a few people say it and suddenly everyone thinks it’s true. “A few things were said in the papers I wasn’t happy with because they were a long way from the truth, but that’s the way it goes and there’s not much you can do. “I’m not a greedy player or anything like that. I know the truth and the people around me know the truth, which is the most important thing. “My agent spoke to other clubs, but I was never really interested in going. “I wanted to stay at Swansea if I could sort something out and, although I had to be patient, I’m delighted it’s all sorted.
“I’ve been in touch with the other lads all along and I know everyone was still hoping they could agree a deal to stay right up until the last minute, “Bayo and Izzy were big players for us and it’s sad that they couldn’t sort out whatever they wanted. “They are good mates, too, so it’s a shame to see them go.
“I got back from the injury at the end of last season and in a way the summer break came at the wrong time for me, “But I’ve been concentrating on my fitness and strengthening all summer so that I’ll be ready for pre-season. “I feel I’ve got something to prove next year and I can’t wait.” |
