Williams: New Contract Negotiations Were 'Easy'

Ashley Williams admitted it was one of the easiest contract negotiations he's experienced after signing a new 3-year deal at Swansea City.

The Welsh international defender still had 2 years remaining on his current contract but he has signed a new deal which keeps him at the club in 2014.

Manager Brendan Rodgers said earlier this Summer that he wanted Williams on better terms to match the other players at the club.

Williams said:

'I appreciate the fact the club wanted to extend my future here - it was definitely something I wanted to do,'

'It was one of the easiest contract negotiations I have had in my career. Myself and the club knew what we wanted and the talks were really relaxed.

'I had two years left, but this allows me to really focus on my football here and do as much as I can for the club.

'It's great news, particularly as we are just days away from our first Premier League campaign.'

Williams has developed and improved immensely as a player since joining from Stockport County in 2008 for £400,000 and he says the Swans deserve to be in the Premier League:

'I've enjoyed every single minute since I've been here and I have been very pleased with my development,'

'I've really grown as a player and I've become a recognised player internationally too with Wales.

'When I arrived the club were playing a style in which I flourish, and it has continued until this day.

'We deserve to be a Premier League club because of the way we play.

'But we have to prove ourselves in the Premier League and stand up to some massive clubs.

'The manager has been backed in his recruitment of players, and this is such an exciting time for the players, staff, supporters, club and city.

'For me, it's great knowing that I'm a part of all of this.'

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