Seani Maguire has admitted he was “flattered” to have been linked with a move to Shamrock Rovers before insisting he never wanted to leave Cork City.
City announced last week that the 31-year-old striker had agreed a one-year extension to his contract that had two-years remaining, therefore ending the continued speculation over his future.
Rovers boss Stephen Bradley, who led the Hoops to a league and cup double last season, defeating City in the FAI Cup final in the process, confirmed the champions had a bid rejected for the former Republic of Ireland international, who was also linked with Bohemians.
And speaking ahead of City’s opening fixture on their return to the First Division where they will welcome Treaty United to Munster FA Turner’s Cross on Friday night, Maguire maintained he is happy to remain on Leeside, particularly under new manager Barry Robson, who replaced Ger Nash at the helm.
“I think Shamrock Rovers were one of a few that was onto me the last couple of months,” began Maguire.
“Look, it is really flattering because I had a season last year where I was out for the bones of 12 weeks, in a difficult place near the bottom of the league, but it probably goes to show that I done quite decent last year.
“But at the end of the day I was never going to leave and I’m quite happy that once the gaffer came in and he put his stamp down that he didn’t want me going anywhere, it’s really nice to hear.
“I think the manager coming in here and seeing the way he wants to play in the first couple of weeks… it’s going to be quite difficult for him coming in halfway during pre-season but the intensity and demands that he sets every single day is brilliant.
“I’ve had really good managers in the past and I can see a lot in this manager, it’s really pleasing to see.
“Ger (Nash) leaving was a bit of a strange one, it was a bit out of the blue, but everything happens for a reason.
“When I first came back to Cork I wanted to see out my career here in Cork City and that’s what I’ll obviously be aiming to do.
“I left in 2017 when the club were fighting for titles in the Premier Division, playing in Europe, and when the time I retire, hopefully I want to leave this football club at the same way, topping the Premier Division, winning titles, playing in Europe.
“I’m glad I’ve got it done now and I can look forward to Friday.”
