AFC Wimbledon striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has admitted the reason he stayed with the club was down to the loyalty from the supporters.

The 'Beast' added that his relationship with Dons boss Neal Ardley played a pivotal part in his decision, as the striker was linked with a move away from Kingsmeadow.

The 33-year-old had attracted lots of interest over the summer, from teams in League One, League Two and even the MLS.

Ardley, who has also snapped up strikers Tom Elliott and Lyle Taylor from Cambridge and Scunthorpe respectively, has made some key signings this season as his side look to improve on last season's 15th place.

But Akinfenwa, who topped the Dons scoring charts with 15 goals last season, ended speculation with a move away by signing a new deal in June.

“I was only gonna go if it was the States”, said Akinfenwa to Get West London.

“The only thing that was swaying my head was the opportunity to play in the MLS and I met with a few teams there, but it didn’t fit right.

“Everybody knows the relationship I’ve got with the gaffer. I think he’s a top manager and he’s gonna do big things. The relationship I’ve got with the fans is well documented as well.”

The Dons are unbeaten in pre-season, and Akinfenwa insists there is a "good spirit" around the club at the moment.

The Dons welcome beaten play-off semi-finalists Plymouth to Kingsmeadow on Saturday before a trip to recently relegated Crawley Town on 15 August.

AFC Wimbledon will be hoping for a push for promotion towards League One next season, and keeping Akinfenwa at the club is a massive boost for the Dons, as they prepare for the first game of the Sky Bet League Two season.

Dons fans...How do you feel about Akinfenwa's words? Is he loyal to your club? Are you happy with the summer signings Ardley has made? Please comment below!