Craig Goodwin admitted he rejected several offers from rival Australian teams and overseas clubs before ultimately re-signing with Adelaide United on a three-year contract.
Securing the highly sought-after signature of the 30-year-old is a massive coup for the Reds, who is arguably the competition’s best player.
Goodwin said while there was interest in his services elsewhere, his objective was to remain in the hometown city where he has produced his most scintillating football.
With United he has scored a Club-record 44 goals in 138 appearances across three stints and won two Aurelio Vidmar Medals and three trophies.
“There definitely were opportunities in Australia and abroad, but for me family-wise it was a good option to be here in our home city but football-wise as well,” Goodwin told reporters at a press conference at Coopers Stadium.
“I think with Adelaide United I’ve probably played some of the best football of my career and for me now it’s about being settled from both away from the pitch and on the pitch.
“I think we have a chance to really build something special here with the group that we have and hopefully we can do that over the course of next season and beyond.”
The winger revealed he was never really tempted by lucrative proposals abroad, stating “happiness of life” is a more important value and can realise that here in Adelaide.
“For us a family we’ve never really been that money orientated,” he said.
“Obviously it’s important to set myself up for the future because you’re only playing for a certain amount of time.
“But for me it’s about the happiness of life and being here in Adelaide is good for our family, but on the pitch I’m my happiest here as well.”
With the bulk of last season’s squad committing to 2022/23 and beyond, Goodwin believed this group of players has the potential to capture silverware under the guidance of Carl Veart.
“The work that obviously Carl (Veart) and the other coaches have put in place over the last two seasons to really build a good base and a strong foundation,” he added.
“We’ve made two semi-finals back-to-back and we can improve on that.
“I think we’ve got a good squad, a good balance of young and old players, and I hope that this coming season we can really do something special.”
The FIFA World Cup 2022™ starting in November also influenced the Socceroos international’s decision, given his form with the Reds saw him return to the fray and has been regularly called-up.
“It did factor into the decision as well,” he continued.
“If I go somewhere else it’s kind of starting up again, whereas here I’m already set up and comfortable and confident in my ability to do well and put myself in the World Cup squad.”
