CHICAGO, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Paul Konerko has signed a five-year, $60 million deal to remain with the White Sox, for whom he has played the last seven seasons.
Part of the reason for Konerko's agreeing to stay on was General Manager Ken Williams' acquisition last week of slugger Jim Thome, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.
Konerko, who helped the Sox to its first World Series championship in 88 years, said: "This wore me down more than anything that happened on the field. I never had been more torn. It caught me off guard, but ultimately I got what I wanted as far as where I wanted to be and the original goal. It all worked out.''
After the Los Angeles Angels, the last legitimate contender for Konerko, increased their offer from four years and $50 million to five years and $60 million, the Sox moved in to match the package, the report said.
The Chicago Tribune reported that Konerko also was pleased with Thome's acquisition. "It was the greatest move the White Sox could make to bring me back," Konerko said.
