Emnes Delighted With Move

Marvin Emnes admits talking to Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate was enough to convince him to spurn the advances of a clutch of other clubs and realise his ‘dream’ of playing in The Premier League.

The capture of Didier Digard on Friday evening followed hot on the heels of that of Emnes, who put pen to paper on a four-year deal to become Southgate’s first acquisition of the summer.

Boro beat off competition from Feyenoord to land the 20-year-old from Sparta Rotterdam, but the Dutch forward says the decision to head for the North East was an easy one to make.

"I am very excited to join Middlesbrough,” he told his new club’s official website. “It's a dream for any player to play in The Premier League, but it is a great opportunity for me when I am still so young.

"I had a good year with Sparta and there was a lot of interest in me but I was enthusiastic about the idea of joining Middlesbrough from the very first day I heard of their interest.

“Ultimately the decision had to be a personal one. I spoke to Gareth Southgate, who made it clear that he had seen me play and was very enthusiastic about me.

"Meeting Mr Southgate made a big difference for me. I am looking forward to working with him."

Emnes is fully aware that despite impressive performances in his homeland, life in the top tier of English football could prove to be a very different kettle of fish.

"I am happy to play with either foot and my pace is one of my best assets, but I know I have to prove myself in English football and I am keen to do that," he added.

"I can play on the wing, as a striker or as a second striker - but my favourite position is just being in the team! If I am in the team then I am happy."