Guy's Behavior

My guy friend says we're just friends, but why does his behavior say otherwise?

I've been close friends with this guy for 3 years. Early on we both expressed mutual feelings of attraction, but did not pursue it. Since then we've grown closer, but have kept things purely platonic. But I can't help but wonder how he truly feels based on his behavior and our relationship. We talk constantly. Mostly late at night. Sometimes all day. We never go more than a week with our talking. We are very open with each other and share intimate details. We always go out to lunch and dinner together. He always wants to be with me, near me, close to me. We hang out as much as we can. He's told me I make him happy. That he loves being around me. The other day he was extremely affectionate. More than normal. He was hugging me throughout the day by wrapping his arm around my shoulder and rubbing my arm. He rested his head on mine while hugging me. It felt like he was intentionally finding ways and reasons to be close to me. Bumping into me while walking, leaning against me while sitting down, casually brushing his hand against mine. And when we said goodbye for the day he held me for a long time. But then, he'll always talk to me about his relationships and his interest in other girls. While at the same time talking about qualities he'd like in a woman and pointing out that I posses certain ones. I'm so confused. I should mention that I love him dearly, much more than as a friend, but have not openly professed this to him. It's my understanding that he only likes me as a friend, but our relationship is so close and personal that I don't know how to read his behavior sometimes.
My guy friend says we're just friends, but why does his behavior say otherwise?
Post Opinion