Downing may leave Boro in search of Champions League football
Saturday, 26 Jul 2008 19:26
Stewart Downing wants to play Champions League football
Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has admitted that he may have to leave the Riverside in search of Champions League football.
The 24-year-old signed a five-year contract at Middlesbrough in February, but that hasn't stopped speculation surrounding his future, with clubs like
Liverpool and Tottenham reportedly interested in acquiring his services.
Downing is a lifelong Middlesbrough fan but revealed that if the club don't make strides in the next couple of years, then he will have to seriously consider his future.
"Obviously if there are big clubs interested in you it is flattering and sometimes you are tempted," said Downing. "But at the moment I'm focused on doing my best for Middlesbrough.
"If we become a top team, a Champions League team, then there would be no question about going. But if we don't eventually make that step, then one day I might have to make that decision. It's an important couple of years for me.
"It might be good one day to do that, maybe move on and try something different, I think every player likes to try something new in their career and I'm no different."
Downing was one of the early graduates of the famed Middlesbrough academy and has made 144 appearances for the club so far since making his debut in 2001.
He also played a major role in helping the team reach the final of the Uefa Cup in 2006.