Middlesbrough have confirmed Jonathan Woodgate has agreed to rejoin the club on a three-year contract after his deal expired at Stoke City.
Defender hoping to help club regain place in the Premier League
Middlesbrough have confirmed defender Jonathan Woodgate has agreed to rejoin the club on a three-year contract after his deal expired at Stoke City.
Woodgate spent last season with the Potters and made 22 appearances during his time at the Britannia Stadium following his departure from Tottenham Hotspur.
The former England international had previously enjoyed 18 months at Boro earlier in his career after joining from Real Madrid in 2006, initially on loan, before moving to Spurs.
He is now back at The Riverside and the 32-year-old is keen to help Boro secure a return to the Premier League next season.
Great feeling
"The pull of helping Boro back in the Premier League is very strong for me and from what I have seen of the current squad, I think it's achievable," Woodgate told the club's
official website.
"Tony Mowbray explained his plans for next season and how he is building a team that wants to get back in the Premier League as soon as possible. I want to be part of that and if we can achieve promotion in my time here it will be a fantastic way to end my career.
"Tony also likes his teams to play football the right way, and that was also a big plus point for me. It's just a great feeling to come back to this football club."
Boro boss Tony Mowbray is delighted to have brought Woodgate back to Teesside and aims to make use of the centre-half's vast experience.
Mowbray said: "I've been very impressed with Jonathan in my conversations with him and his passion for the football club stands out.
"I don't need to eulogise about Jonathan's quality. He's played for some of the biggest clubs in the world. We need to build on that experience and the quality he brings to our squad."
