Timm Klose admitted he turned down other offers this summer and even considered retirement before signing his new Bristol City contract.
The Swiss defender, 34, finally ended speculation over whether he would remain a Robin heading into the new season by signing a one-year contract with the option of an extra 12 months.
Klose's arrival in January on an initial six-month contract proved to be a brilliant piece of business by Nigel Pearson with the defender starting in every league game up until the end of the season while earning the plaudits for a string of consistent performances.
Pearson made it clear he wanted to keep the centre-back at the club before the end of the season but Klose delayed putting pen-to-paper on his deal casting doubt over his future in BS3.
Klose, a popular figure in the dressing room, has also proved an important addition in terms of helping the next generation of talent come through the ranks including Duncan Idehen and Ryley Towler. Robbie Cundy and Rob Atkinson were also experiencing their first season of Championship football.
Speaking on the Norwich-related 'The TNC Podcast', Klose said: "I'm really happy that I was able to sign for the club.
"I had a few offers this summer, we had a few options I would say because my family is getting bigger now so we had to make decisions on where we wanted to go next or we wanted to go home or just call it a day and stop playing football. In the end, I think Bristol City was the right thing to do."
Klose is likely to play another important role in the side next season despite City having an abundance of central defenders at their disposal. Kal Naismith's arrival means Pearson now has 11 centre-backs in Cundy, Atkinson, Tomas Kalas, Towler, Idehen, Nathan Baker, Cam Pring, Zak Vyner and Taylor Moore.
The latter two are expected to leave this summer while there is uncertainty over Baker's future following his two concussions last season. Cundy's contract situation which expires at the end of the month is ongoing while Towler and Idehen could be sent out on loan.
Despite the potential to stay at the club until 2024, Klose admitted this could be his final season before hanging up his boots with preparations to stay in football either as a coach or sporting director.
He added: "I always wanted to be a sporting director actually. I was studying sports management on the side which I've finished now and I have my degree but I'm doing my A-licence too on the side so it's good to keep doors open.
"Maybe I go into coaching or the management. The only thing I want to do now is just enjoy my last years. I don't know how much more I have in my legs to keep up with the youngsters, they are getting better every year."
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