By Kyle Gunn
Alex Gogic says a return to St Mirren feels like the right decision after turning down numerous offers elsewhere.
The Cypriot international rejoins the club on a permanent contract after a successful spell on loan in the second half of last season from Hibs.
Signing a two-year-deal, the 28-year-old revealed the Buddies’ faithful played a big part in him returning to Paisley.
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Gogic told Express Sport: “I have had offers from clubs in Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria and there was a club in Russia as well.
“At the end of last season I was open to going abroad and trying something new.
“I was open to trying something different if it was right.
“But, when I sat down and observed the whole situation, coming back to Scotland was best.
“Myself and my family really love Scotland and it feels like home to us now.
“The people and the football just keep bringing me back. I just enjoy it here.
“Here we know what to expect football-wise and living-wise.
“It also meant a lot that the manager was willing to wait for me to make a decision.
“We were in touch obviously and it was always nice to know he had faith in me.
“It is good to feel that.
“When the fans like you and want you and give you a warm reception then it helps.
“When I was leaving everyone was like ‘please sign’.
“When I was with the national team there was a guy in Ireland who had a note that said ‘Alex please sign’.
“So that’s great. For sure it is part of the reason I decided to sign on.”
Gogic had options to return home to Cyprus which has a growing football reputation but he said that wasn’t enough to convince him.
Even that potential expense of his international career.
He added: “Yes there was a temptation to go back to Cyprus. Especially being there with the national team just after the season finished.
“The league is getting better over there as well.
“ I know plenty of boys in the teams there.
“So there was a temptation and maybe one day in the future.
“But I don’t think playing in Scotland will affect my involvement with Cyprus.
“If it does happen then I can’t do anything about it.”
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