Updated

Miami Heat President Pat Riley is speaking out at length for the first time since LeBron James left the franchise, saying that he wants the team "to be as good as it's ever been" going forward.

Riley spoke with reporters Wednesday after the team completed the signing of Chris Bosh to a $118 million, five-year contract. Riley expressed disappointment that James returned to Cleveland, and revealed that he was working under the premise during free agency that the four-time MVP would be staying in Miami.

But even with James leaving, Riley insists that the Heat will continue being competitive.

Riley says he told James before free agency that he would be telling other players that the Heat expected him back, and that James never told him to think otherwise.