Having put to paper on a fresh contract that will keep him at the AESSEAL New York Stadium until the summer of 2022, Joe Mattock revealed there was no doubt in his mind when it came to prolonging his stay as a Rotherham United player.
Now in his fifth season with the club following his move from Sheffield Wednesday back in 2015, he has made over 150 appearances for the Millers and he has on occasion been entrusted with the captain's armband under Paul Warne.
"I'm glad to get it sorted as I think everyone else at the club is too, but it's something I wanted to do pretty sharpish so we had been going through negotiations which is only standard procedure really," Mattock told themillers.co.uk on his new deal.
"My heart is at Rotherham United so I'm delighted to be staying put. I've enjoyed my time here so far and I've loved being part of the different squads across the years.
"We had a pretty settled group over the last two or three seasons, but it's a new team this year and it's a great place to be. I've had to step up and take the captaincy a few times this season too which is an honour.
"That was a big dream of mine, especially as a defender. To lead out this team in front of your family, friends and the kids is very special. All of the players look up to you and it's great to feel that responsibility, but it's about managing the pressure on your shoulders too.
"I'm very settled at home as well and I've been up here for approaching five years now so there was no reason not to stay for another two."
When a fresher-faced Mattock became a Miller, Warne held the role of fitness coach and the former Leicester City man has seen him progress into the position of first-team manager across the last few years.
Now 29 years of age, Mattock is one of the more experienced heads amongst the ranks at Roundwood and he has become a favourite amongst supporters, but he insists that Warne has played a huge part in his development and continuing to play under him is a no-brainer.
"Working with the gaffer was definitely a big influence in my decision because he's changed a lot of my game, even earlier on in my career here when he was fitness coach. I've learned plenty from Paul and I look forward to him developing my attributes even more," Mattock enthused.
"I really feel as if he can take us places as a club, and hopefully that's in the next couple of years. We know what we've got to do and we're starting to gel as a unit now, so we should be able to push forward and target getting into the higher reaches of the table."