Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has insisted that linebacker Bruce Irvin did not say he wanted to the leave the club next season.

The 27-year-old was quoted as saying he wanted to be back in his home in Atlanta next year, which suggested a move to the Falcons in the near future.

However, Carroll has insisted that Irvin was misquoted and is optimistic about his future at the Seahawks.

"I'm really glad you asked me that, because he didn't say that," Carroll told reporters. "We've been talking all along, he's been working out in Atlanta for three weeks, and he said in response to the question 'Do you want to come back home?'

"He said: 'Everybody likes to come back home, it's a dream to come back home.' It wasn't in reference to leaving us and coming back, so he was really adamant about it, and I asked him so let's leave it and not go at it anymore. I'm glad you brought it up."

Irvin has recorded 93 tackles, 16.5 sacks and three interceptions in his three years in the NFL.