'There's no way that I could leave' - Beattie opts against US move to sign on with Cork City

CORK CITY HAVE secured the services of Steven Beattie for next season.

The 29-year-old, who joined from Sligo Rovers in 2015, has become a key player for John Caulfield’s side over the past two-and-a-half years.

Beattie’s ability to do a job in midfield and at full-back has seen him make over 60 league appearances with the Leesiders and win a league and cup double this year.

Beattie lifting the FAI Cup earlier this month. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Having previously spent time in the US on a soccer scholarship and, subsequently, with MLS club Toronto FC, Beattie made no secret of his ambition to one day return to the States. Through his American agent, he has recently attracted admirers on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean but opted to turn down advances in order to remain with City for 2018.

“I am delighted to get it done,” Beattie said today. “Obviously, everyone knows that there was some interest from the States, but I sat down and talked to a few people and weighed everything up, and there is no way that I could leave what is going on here at the moment.

“The players John has signed, the players we already have who have signed back. It is going to be special times at Cork City and I couldn’t sit back and not be part of that.”

I can’t wait for pre-season to meet the new lads, but a great nucleus of the team has signed back as well, and I can’t wait to get going. It is a special place down here; I said last week I wouldn’t play for any other team in Ireland and I stand by that sentiment. I had offers here, but you just can’t leave this place.

“Once you get down here, you understand what I’m talking about; the environment you are playing in, a packed Turner’s Cross week-in, week-out and then you see the crowd at the Aviva… To do the double was the icing on the cake and hopefully there are plenty more trophies for this club.”

Manager John Caulfield added: “Beats has been an instrumental part of our squad for the last three years or so. He is so versatile, he can play at full back, either wing or in midfield. We are delighted to have him on board again for 2018.”

“He has played regularly since he came here and before that as well, so he has plenty of experience under his belt as well. I know he is a real favourite with the supporters as well; he has that never-say-die attitude and a great will to win, and he is a key part of the squad. He has really bought into what the club is all about and I know he is looking forward to 2018 as much as the rest of us.”

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