Juninho wants Middlesbrough swan song

Middlesbrough favourite Juninho would love the chance to play one more game for the club.

“Before I finish my career I would like to wear a Middlesbrough shirt again and play in front of the crowd,” said the Brazilian.

“I hope the club can find a date for a friendly game. It could be next pre-season.”

Juninho, 35, had three spells at Boro and has backed manager Gareth Southgate to succeed.

“I think he is going to become a very good manager because he was already a manager when he was a player,” he said.

“He liked to organise the game from the back and he has the talent to be a manager.”

Juninho - named as Boro’s best-ever player in a fans poll - has moved back to Brazil but still keeps a keen eye on the clubs’ fortunes.

‘The Little Fella’, as he was called by the fans says he has some fond memories of the Teesside club: “They are part of my family. I will never forget what they did for me.
When I think of the good memories I think of all the supporters shouting my name.”

Juninho was first signed for Middlesbrough by Bryan Robson for £4.25m from Sao Paulo in 1995 before leaving for Athletico Madrid two years later.

He returned to Boro on loan in 1999 before going back on a permanent basis once more in 2002. He was also part of the team that won the Carling Cup in 2004.