Home
Ricardo Santos said he did turn down “other options” to sign a new three-year deal with Wanderers this summer.
The club captain ended months of speculation over his future by penning a long-term contract at the University of Bolton Stadium, and now has designs on leading the club into the Championship.
But speaking to The Bolton News, he confirmed there were other offers on the table this summer looking to tempt him away from the North West.
“I was over the moon to get it done,” he said. “Me and the gaffer had a brief chat during the season and at the time we were focusing on getting promoted so I told him I don’t really want to focus on me, I want to focus on the team and get promoted.
“But once the season was done, to be honest with you it happened within a week. We just sat down and then I was on holiday. My agent went and spoke to him (Evatt) and called me and said: ‘Everything’s done’ and when I got back, I signed.
“It happened really quick to be fair. I had other options there, but they weren’t for me. This is the place for me, and the gaffer is the right manager for me, the club is the right club for me. I just want to build on with the club.”
Santos has moved his family up to Bolton and feels the stability offered by the three-year deal will make it easier to concentrate on his progression on the pitch.
“The main part was for my family,” he said. “Moving from Peterborough to London, I just wanted to find a home and I’ve found it and I’m happy to be here for another few years.
“Every day me and the gaffer talk and he gives me a lot of encouragement and just shows a lot of belief in me and I just want to pay it back and do well for the club.”
“And it’s a decent contract to be fair. I’m happy with it and if I could have signed more I would have!”
Santos believes the squad has benefited from a week away together in Portugal, and no-one more so than new signing Jack Iredale.
The Australian was the only new face in the camp – but was wasted no time getting in with his new team-mates.
“He has come out of his shell very quickly but I think that’s what happens when you go abroad,” Santos said. “You have to come out of your shell and being around the boys, he already knows Geth (Jones). And we even watch Love Island together at 9pm! He’s a good guy.
“It’s good to get different surroundings and other stuff with the food, we can go in the pool and recover. Just to be around here and be with the boys.”
Source