Britton eager to stay at Swansea

19 August 2015 09:01

Veteran midfielder Leon Britton has vowed to stay at Swansea and fight for a first-team place.

Britton seemed set to leave the Barclays Premier League club this summer after slipping down the pecking order at the Liberty Stadium.

But the 32-year-old, who has made over 500 appearances in three separate spells at Swansea, came on as a late substitute in the 2-0 league victory over Newcastle on Saturday and has now revealed he remains part of manager Garry Monk's plans.

"I spoke to the manager about two weeks ago and it was decided that the best thing for me was to stay here," Britton told the South Wales Evening Post.

"It looks like I'll be staying here and I'm delighted with that.

"I've always said the first place I want to play is here at Swansea.

"Maybe things will change a bit and I can be involved a bit more, which would be great."

Britton made only seven league starts last season after missing the start of the campaign with a knee injury and then saw the arrival of Jack Cork from Southampton limit his first-team opportunities.

The Londoner, who has two years of his contract remaining, was linked with a move to MLS side Orlando City and Wolves were also reported to be among Sky Bet Championship clubs interested in his services.

But fans' favourite Britton said: "Just pulling on the shirt (against Newcastle) and seeing the Swans badge put a big smile on my face.

"The reaction I got when I was warming up was something special.

"It has been a difficult time for me because I wasn't too sure what was going to happen.

"But the fans' support really underlines the special relationship we share."

Source: PA