Rocky Bushiri has admitted that ‘feeling loved’ by the Hibs support, his teammates and those around him was a key reason for signing a new contract with Hibernian FC!
With his contract initially due to expire this summer, the 25-year-old centre-back has signed a three-year deal with the Club.
Rocky was crucial to Hibs’ excellent third-place finish in the William Hill Premiership last season, putting in consistently strong performances at the back and popping up with three vital goals in 28 league appearances.
After what has been a short and busy summer for Rocky due to international duties with DR Congo, the defender remained in great spirits after returning to Easter Road to sign his new deal.
“I’m very happy to come back, I never left to be honest,” Rocky told HibsTV. “I’m happy to get this deal over the line.
“We have been in talks with the Club for a long time, and it was just about finding the right solution that would arrange both sides. And we’ve found it.
“I came here to Hibs after long injuries. I needed time and trust from managers, and I have had that, so now it is up to me to show what my worth is and that is what I am willing to do. I want to be positive around the boys and affect them with good behaviour on and off the pitch.”
Rocky’s re-signing has been the talk of the town in recent weeks, with supporters eager to see the powerful centre-half remain with the Club following an impressive 2024/25 campaign.
That appreciation from the Hibs faithful has certainly been noticed by Rocky, who told HibsTV that the support he receives from Hibees each week was a key reason behind his decision to remain in EH7.
“The fanbase and how I feel at the Club was a big decider. As I’ve said in previous interviews, I want to be a better player each season. I want to keep doing better than the season before. That has been happening here. That’s how I want to continue.”
“[Last season] was a beautiful season. But you know how football goes, it’s gone. It’s up to us to show consistency. With the other boys that have also extended, and with the way the group is right now, shows stability in the Club.
“We want to continue what we have started but this will demand hard work. That is why I was willing to come in early to start the camp with the boys, and to keep building what we started last season.
Asked on what factors helped Rocky make up his mind on where his future lay, he responded: “Home is where you feel loved and I feel loved here. By the fans, by my teammates, by the people around me. That was a factor.”
