Fabio Back At Sporting
FABIO ROCHEMBACK has agreed a three-year contract with former club Sporting Lisbon after Boro decided not to extend his stay on Teesside.
The 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder was on the look out for a new club after Boro opted against an option to extend his three-year deal by a further two years.
"It is good for both sides," said Rochemback, who enjoyed a successful spell on loan with the Portuguese side from parent club Barcelona.
"So many things made me accept the offer. I know the club, the people working for the club, and there was the Champions League, which is very important for any football player.
"Life here is different to that in England."
Rochemback, who joined Boro for a undisclosed fee from Barcelona in 2005, played 91 games for Boro, scoring seven goals - including a superb free-kick in his final match for the club, Sunday's 8-1 victory over Manchester City.
The midfielder played a major role in helping Boro to reach the 2006 UEFA Cup final, a year after appearing in the final during a loan spell with Sporting Lisbon.
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FABIO ROCHEMBACK
