Yesterday it was reported that Carmelo Anthony’s agent told the Bulls & Lakers to move on as he decided to remain with the Knicks. Not many more details besides that were released other than the fact that we already knew the team could offer him 5 years/$129 million. While they are still confirming the numbers, Carmelo himself just released a statement so we know it’s real. In the end he says, there was no way he could leave this city without reaching the ultimate goal of an NBA championship. Hit the jump for his full statement.

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“A few years ago I dreamed of coming back to New York City, the place of my birth, and on February 23, 2011 that became a reality,” Anthony said in a statement. “This organization has supported me and in return, I want to stay and build here with this city and my team. At this pivotal juncture in my career, I owed it to myself and my family to explore all of the options available to me. Through it all, my heart never wavered.”

I will always remember this chapter in my life. In the end, I am a New York Knick at heart,” he said in the statement. “I am looking forward to continue my career in Orange & Blue and to work with Phil Jackson, a champion who builds championship teams. Madison Square Garden is the mecca of basketball and I am surrounded by the greatest fans in the world.”

This next season may still be rough for Knicks fans, but there is a foundation in place to build upon for the next 4-5 years, especially with the financial freedom the team will have next summer after the contracts of Amar’e and Bargnani expire. Carmelo has held up his end now by showing he is committed, now the team has to match that.