The Nix announced the deal, along with a three-year one for Alex Rufer, ahead of the league clash against Central Coast Mariners and Taylor has revealed that there were other teams offering him terms for 2020/2021.
When asked if there was any competition for his signature, Taylor replied: “Yeah but the thing is I’m happy here, but why go somewhere else? For me its long-term. I said at the start of my contract here how I loved it and how everything has gone well and I stick by it.”
The former Newcastle United star is in his second season in New Zealand and has high hopes for this young side, led by head coach Ufuk Talay. After a tricky start, the Nix have gone unbeaten in their last seven games and are eyeing up a place in the play-offs.
Second home
Taylor has played all 11 A-League games this campaign and if he completes the remainder of his contract this will be his longest stay at a club since the 33-year-old ended his association with Newcastle. That brought 267 appearances but no trophies which is something the Geordie is keen to change.
“You’re here to do one thing and one thing only and that’s to win,” the defender said when asked about his future goals. “So for me, first and foremost lets get in the play-offs and lets see where that takes us.”
His deal will mean Taylor will continue playing football until he is 35-years-old, but the skipper isn’t ruling out continuing beyond that. He looks after his body and has a strong support network of staff around him, and as long as he stays injury free there is no reason why Taylor couldn’t go on.
Loving his life
Other teams might have tried to poach the star, but they’ll continue to be met with a chorus of rejection. “The boys have been different class and I come in here every day with a big smile on my face, doing something I absolutely love, said Taylor. “I’ve bought into the Kiwi mentality and I’m getting used to how everyone lives out here and I love it.”
Those don’t sound like the words of a man who is ready to leave his life in Wellington behind for new adventures.