George Boateng is relishing linking up with former Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren at Nottingham Forest.
Dutch veteran needed no second invitation to join Forest
Veteran midfielder George Boateng is relishing linking up with former Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren at Nottingham Forest.
McClaren knows all about the 35-year-old's ability as the pair worked together at the Riverside and the Dutchman is hoping City can replicate the success they enjoyed together in the North East.
Middlesbrough won the Carling Cup with the former England boss at the helm while they also reached the Uefa Cup final in 2006 against Sevilla in Eindhoven.
Boateng needed no second invitation to link up once again with McClaren as he believes the man in the dug-out's CV speaks for itself.
History
"The last time I worked with Steve McClaren we achieved quite a lot in winning the Carling Cup and reaching the Uefa Cup final," he told
Sky Sports News.
"We finished in the highest position of Middlesbrough football club's history. Hopefully history can repeat itself at Nottingham Forest.
"I'm joining for one reason and that's I want to help the club win promotion to the Premier League. All 13 seasons I've had in England have all been in the Premier League. They were unlucky last year and the year before.
"I'm very confident because McClaren's club CV speaks for itself. I think he's done tremendously well at all of the clubs he's been at, especially winning the Dutch league title with FC Twente.
"It was a big thing in Holland. Hopefully if he can keep that record going I see really great things for Nottingham Forest."
Agreement
Boateng spent last season with Greek club Skoda Xhanthi and the midfielder is looking forward to being back in England, his adopted home.
It had been reported he had already signed a one-year deal at the City Ground, although Boateng expects everything to be finalised on Thursday
"We have agreed in principle and we're just waiting to finalise the deal and get it signed tomorrow (Thursday)," he added.
"The idea is to prolong my career and I'm glad that Nottingham Forest and especially Steve McClaren has given me that opportunity.
"I don't think anything will hinge the contract or for the deal to be broken. I've been abroad to Greece and I've missed home, home being England.
"I'm glad to say that we're very close to doing a deal. I'm so excited to be back in England."
