Midfielder Ferrie Bodde has finalised his footballing future - by signing a new contract with Swansea City.

After weeks of speculation linking the £2m-rated Dutch maestro with potential moves to the likes of Derby, Middlesbrough and Reading, Bodde agreed a new long-term deal with the club today.

And now the 26-year-old, who had two years of his initial contract left to run, wants to focus all his energy on the club's forthcoming Championship campaign, while asking the Swansea City faithful for the chance to put things right.

In his first interview since committing his future to the Swans, Bodde admits he has made mistakes over the summer as his head was turned by outside parties and he struggled to come to terms with family issues.

"It's been a long nine weeks and my head has been all over the place,'' admitted Bodde. "Yes, I've made mistakes along the way and I'd like to apologise to the Swans fans for all the uncertainty.

"I had my head turned by outside parties offering me the world and telling me that Derby was a bigger club because of their Premiership status last season.

"I was mixed up and thought Derby was a step forward. But having spent a long time thinking about it and meeting up with the squad again, I realise that 'bigger' isn't always 'better'.

"I love the club and I realise now that Swansea can be as big as it wants to be. The foundation is in place and there's a bright future ahead.

"Deep down I never wanted to leave Swansea because it's the club that gave me my chance in British football and the fans welcomed me and my family with open arms; but like I said, I had my head turned for a few weeks.

"Some of my quotes in the media were also taken out of context. They would be picked up in the Dutch media and by the time they were translated into English over here I was being misinterpreted.

"I'm not a fake and I am loyal. I wouldn't have stayed at ADO Den Haag for 14 years otherwise, would I?''

Bodde also admitted that he's had family issues to sort out after a difficult 12 months living away from Holland.

"My children haven't settled here,'' he admitted. "They are young and they've missed their friends, family and their country.

"Any parent will tell you how difficult it is when your children are not happy. Your children come first at the end of the day.''

Bodde's family will remain in Holland while he continues his career at Swansea, highlighting his commitment to the club.

"The fans have been brilliant to me over the last 12 months and I want to repay them. I haven't been myself over the last nine weeks and I just want the chance to win them back.

"I will be concentrating on my football from now on and doing all my talking on the pitch.''

Photo: Action Images

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