Boateng chasing Wembley dream

George Boateng admits he could happily retire if Middlesbrough win the FA Cup.

The Dutch midfielder scored a crucial spot-kick in the North East club's penalty victory over West Brom on Tuesday night but Boro must now face Manchester United for a place in the semi-finals.

Boateng believes the winners of the last eight tie will go on to win the trophy, and the 31-year-old is desperate to erase the pain of losing in the 2000 final, whilst playing for Aston Villa against Chelsea.

Indeed, winning the first final at the new Wembley would leave the Boro star content that he had achieved everything he dreamed of in his career.

"At my age, and in my situation, if I do get to an FA Cup final again and win, I would probably be able to hang up my boots because I've then fulfilled any dream I had as a young boy," said Boateng.

"Playing in the Uefa Cup final with Boro was massive and I was satisfied in a way because we lost to a top, top team.

"But it does play on your mind that you don't really want to finish like that. If you have an opportunity to still win, it's good.

"The FA Cup is a tremendous prize. This draw against Manchester United is a reward for hard work.

"We've made it the hard way but if anything is worth having, it's worth working hard to get it. I think who wins that game will go to the final.

"If you win the next game, then maybe you can start dreaming of Wembley. It is the ultimate stage. It is the Mecca of football.

"Losing the 2000 final to Chelsea was one of the biggest disappointments of my career, that and being left out of the Holland squad for a World Cup finals."