Southgate happy at Middlesbrough
Friday, August 6, 2004
Article summary
England defender Gareth Southgate has signed a contract extension with Middlesbrough FC until summer 2007.
Article body
'Right decision'
The 33-year-old had 12 months left on his contract with the Premiership club but was more than happy to sign up for a further two years. "I'm delighted to have committed my future to Middlesbrough for another three years," he said. "At this stage of my career, it was important I made the right decision."
European place
The centre-back, who has 57 international caps but missed UEFA EURO 2004™ through injury, joined Middlesbrough in 2001 from Aston Villa FC. He captained the team to English League Cup success last season, earning them a place in the first round of the 2004/05 UEFA Cup.
Busy time
Middlesbrough have signed Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Mark Viduka, Ray Parlour and Michael Reiziger in recent weeks, and Southgate added: "The manager and chairman want to take Middlesbrough to the next level. I'm looking forward to being part of that." The club have also agreed new deals with Ugo Ehiogu, Doriva, Joseph-Désiré Job, Colin Cooper and Stewart Downing.
