Reported Leeds United transfer target Callum O'Dowda has opened up on his decision to stay at Bristol City.
The 24-year-old was linked with a move to Elland Road during the last two transfer windows with Marcelo Bielsa thought to be a fan of the Irish international winger.
O'Dowda had been running down his contract at Ashton Gate and looked set to leave amid interest from Leeds and other Championship rivals.
He had emerged as a possible alternative when the Whites missed out on Daniel James late on deadline day at the end of the last January window.
However the move didn't materialise and the attacker has now penned a three-year contract to commit his future to the Robins.
Speaking to Bristol Live, he admitted it was a relief to get the deal done, explaining: "It did drag on way too far. But I’m happy and I’m all sorted now because going into the last year of your contract is not ideal. For me personally, because you never know what might happen in football.
"Look at what happened to Benik (Afobe) the other day - something that came just out of the blue. The reason it took so long - and I’m not going to go into the depths of the contract - but what I can say is that it was one of those things where it had to be right for both parties.
"And that was the reason it took so long. But we got there in the end and I’m delighted it's all sorted now and I’ve committed my future."
Asked what he would say to those Bristol City fans who believe that he only signed a new deal after moves elsewhere fell through, he added: "Listen, the fans don’t hear that from me.
"I’m not going to openly just say but there’s always interest. I was coming to the last year of my contract and there was always going to be teams left, right and centre but if I’m brutally honest I always wanted to sign it.
"I just wanted to make sure it was right for me and the club at the same time. The message to the fans is listen - and I even said it to fans after games: I want it to get sorted. I just needed to make sure it was right."
Visit our dedicated Leeds United page for the latest news, views and analysis from Elland Road.
