Asked specifically if he is still considering leaving the Riverside, Karanka added: “Today, thinking how hard it has been to get promotion, I can say no”.
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Cristhian Stuani’s opener after 19 minutes gave the home side the lead, but Brighton levelled through Dale Stephens early in the second half.
The Seagulls responded by equalising nine minutes after half-time when Dale Stephens headed in Anthony Knockaert’s free-kick but they could not muster up the crucial victor; a task made harder when the goalscorer was red carded for a bad tackle on Gaston Ramirez.
“There are just 20 privileged people who can manage in the Premier League and I will be one of them next season”.
Middlesbrough return to the Premier League, seven years after they suffered relegation. They will face Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-finals, who were beaten 2-1 at Wolves in the final game of the regular season, while Hull City will meet Derby County in the other tie.
After the game the Charlton manager, José Riga, resigned from his role at a club which is heading to League One in total disarray.
Thousands of fans invaded the Riverside pitch to celebrate with the players and now Karanka can start to think about the summer’s business in preparation for the Premier League. “Two-and-a-half years later, we are in the Premier League”, said the man who had been Jose Mourinho’s assistant at Real Madrid.
Karanka, who signed a new four-year contract last year, said: “I said in my last press conference I have three more years here, and the contract is there”.
Meanwhile, Burnley were crowned champions of the division as they romped to a 3-0 win at relegated Charlton.
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The former Boro player and manager expects the momentum and energy obtained from promotion to serve the side well in the top-flight of English football.
