STEWY EXCLUSIVE: Why I'm Staying
STEWART DOWNING says the signing of Afonso Alves and the backing he has received from the fans in recent weeks were key factors in his decision to agree a new five-year Boro contract.
The Pride of Pallister Park is desperate to win major honours and he's delighted to get the chance to do it with his hometown club.
"This is where I want to be," said the 23-year-old England winger.
"It's my hometown club but I've told them that I didn't want us to stand still. Signing Alves shows how ambitious we are, the fact that the chairman was willing to splash out like that.
"The chairman has proved again just how much he wants this club to go forward. To be fair, the chairman and the manager have been spot on about it.
"They've never pressurised me, they've just made it clear that they wanted me to stay.
"My thoughts were that I wanted to stay as long as we're ambitious.
"Ultimately, it's not just about playing for my hometown club, although that's important, but I want to win something, and to do that with Boro would be the best way.
"I know we won the Carling Cup but I want to be part of it next time."
Speculation about Downing's future has been going on for some time and several clubs were linked with him during the January transfer window.
But Downing said: "There's been talk about other clubs but I never wanted out. This is what I've wanted all along.
"I know it's gone on for some time but I'm delighted we've finally reached an agreement.
"I'm glad it's all done and I can concentrate on my football because that's what I want to do.
"The way things are going here on the pitch and with a great new signing, I was really happy to sign."
Downing has received huge support from the Boro fans in recent weeks with his name constantly sung from the terraces - and it hasn't gone unnoticed.
"I'd like to thank the fans for the support they've given me," he said.
"They could have really got on my back in recent weeks in response to all that was being said. But they've been great."
"They were spot on. Even in recent games I've heard them singing my name which I really appreciated."
We'll have more details on the deal later, including Gareth Southgate's reaction.
