Didier Talks Boro

DIDIER DIGARD has revealed he turned down rival clubs including Newcastle and Portsmouth in order to be part of Gareth Southgate's vision.

The 21-year-old signed a four-year deal after joining Boro from Paris St Germain at the weekend and joined up with his new team-mates for the first day of pre-season on Monday.

"I am very pleased to be joining Middlesbrough because it is a project that is totally different to Paris St Germain," said the new signing. "I know you are trying to build something here.

"Gareth Southgate was a big influence on my decision to come to
Middlesbrough. I had the opportunity to go to other clubs - including Monaco, Newcastle United and Portsmouth - but I was very impressed by Gareth.

"I know he has a great relationship with the players and it was clear he knew exactly what he wanted to do with the club. He convinced me this was the club for me."

Didier Digard and Afonso Alves in training - Photo by North News

The France U21 international said he is familiar with Boro's style of play and has been encouraged with what he's seen so far.

"I know the Middlesbrough players because I have seen them playing important Premier League games on TV in France.

"I like the way they play and I am looking forward to being a part of that.

"I know that the challenge is to get in the top seven or eight places in the Premier League and to have the chance of get into fifth place and qualify for the UEFA Cup. That is what I want to help Middlesbrough do."

Didier Digard in action for France U21s - Photo by PA Photos

Digard has been capped at every international youth level and knows he will have to perform well in a red Garmin shirt if he is to realise his dream and make his senior French debut.

"If I can help the club achieve their ambitions, then I can achieve my ambitions too. I have to perform well for Middlesbrough and for the France Under-21 team and only then I can hope to be picked for the full French side.

"It is difficult to describe my own game and maybe I should leave that to others but I am a hard-working player and I hope that I am a good tackler too.

Didier Digard in his first training session - Photo by North News

"I had a good relationship with the fans of my former clubs and I hope that will be the same at Middlesbrough. The supporters will be very important for me here."

And the midfielder revealed he was very pleased that he was not the only French speaker at the club.

"At the beginning it is perfect to have Jeremie here. I don't know him personally but of course it is good to have a French-speaking player to help me.

"But it is important for me to get to know all of the players and to feel part of the club so I will be taking English lessons as soon as possible."