Bates never asked to leave
Boro skipped denies wanting to quit The Riverside
Last Updated: September 7, 2011 8:25pm
Bates: Never asked to leave Middlesbrough amid interest from Swansea City
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Middlesbrough captain Matthew Bates insists he never asked to leave the club as speculation mounted over his future last month.
Swansea City were keen on landing the Boro ace before the transfer window closed, but the newly-promoted Premier League side failed to strike a deal.
Bates is now in the final year of his Riverside contract and he is happy spending the campaign helping Tony Mowbray's side fight for promotion.
Denial
"I was never knocking on the gaffer's door saying I wanted to leave," said Bates.
"I knew the situation with the club, I'm in the last year of my contract and whatever was to happen would happen."
Bates, who has made 90 appearances for Boro after progressing through the club's Academy, added: "I'm here now and I'm happy with that."
Matthew Bates
