Arca won't sit on bench

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By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 22nd July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Arca won't sit on bench

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Julio Arca insists he is happy to stay at Middlesbrough, but only if he is in the first team.

The Argentine midfielder started just 14 games last season, as he fell in and out of favour with manager Gareth Southgate.

Now Arca, who is one of a number of players linked with a summer switch away from Boro, has stated he would be willing to remain at The Riverside.

But he will not hang around to sit on the substitutes' bench.

"I have explained to the manager and people in the club that I do not want to leave Middlesbrough, but I have also told them that I want to play. As long as I get the chance to play, I want to stay here," he said.

"But the important thing is I play. I don't want to be sitting on the bench in the Championship.

"Last season was a bit in and out for me and I never really got a settled run in the team. If things do not go well, we will have to see what happens.

"But at the moment, I want to stay here and play.

"I have another two years left on my contract and I want to spend them at Middlesbrough.

"I am still fully committed to being a Middlesbrough player."