Rico: I Always Wanted To Be Here

Ricardo Almeida Santos aims to keep climbing with Wanderers after pledging his future to the Whites.

Santos today signed a new three-year deal at the University of Bolton Stadium to confirm his place in manager Ian Evatt’s long-term plans.

And the Whites’ skipper – who had a year to run on his existing deal – insisted Wanderers is the only place he wanted to be.

“I feel like a new signing. It’s just exciting,” said Santos after penning a contract running until June, 2025.

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“I’m happy to get it all done and I can’t wait for next season.

“I’ve got a young family now and I always wanted to be here. I always told the gaffer I didn’t want to go anywhere else.

“The gaffer believes a lot in me, the club is going places and I want to go on that journey with the club.”

Santos, who became a father for the second time earlier this year and recently moved into Bolton, was one of Evatt’s first signings as Wanderers’ boss in the summer of 2020.

The central defender has since been the cornerstone of Evatt’s side that won promotion in 2020/21 and finished ninth in League One last season after losing just three times in a 22-match run from early January.

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And the former Peterborough and Barnet man is confident he can fulfil his ambitions with Wanderers as he closes in on 100 appearances for the club.  

“Last year was our first time trying in League One. I think it was a decent season and next season we want to get promoted,” Santos, 26, added.

“The Championship is the aim. I want to be there as a player for my career and I want to do it with Bolton.

“The gaffer has got a good team here. He’s got the people he wants. It looks exciting and I can’t wait for next season.”

To watch the skipper's interview after signing his new deal, click BELOW

 

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