Mendieta to stick with Boro
Gaizka Mendieta has hinted he plans to finish his career at Middlesbrough.
Gaizka Mendieta has hinted he plans to finish his career at Middlesbrough after admitting he is now unlikely to return to Spain.The Basque-born midfielder joined Boro in the summer of 2003 after largely unproductive spells at Lazio and Barcelona.
He missed the majority of last season with a serious knee injury, but he has now fought his way back to full fitness and was a central figure in last weekend's stunning 3-0 win over Chelsea.
The ex-Valencia star claims he has fallen back in love with the game at Boro and has no plans to leave The Riverside.
"In England I have learned to enjoy football again," he told Sport.
When asked whether he might consider a return to Spain, the 31-year-old replied: "At my age I think it is unlikely."
Mendieta was then quizzed on the forthcoming UEFA Champions League clash between Chelsea and Barcelona and feels that his side's comprehensive beating of The Blues last weekend shows that Jose Mourinho's side do have fallibilities.
"I am very happy, but most of all because we needed that win," he continued.
"We were going through a difficult period and every point in the league is vital for us.
"I think we demonstrated that Chelsea are a team who find it difficult to come from behind, they don't like to have to fight back.
"It will be a very level tie and neither of the two sides are on top form, but I believe Barca have the advantage."
