Borges excited for next step after tough start

BORO FAN FAVOURITE HAS JOINED RIVALS BRISTOL CITY ON LOAN

- By CRAIG JOHNS

NETO Borges admits he initially struggled to adapt at Middlesbrough before English football became natural to him, as he enjoyed a strong end to last season.

The Brazilian was reflecting on his year at Boro after leaving late in the summer transfer window to join Championship rivals Bristol City.

It comes as Borges fell down the pecking order on Teesside following a change in management, which saw a change in system. Naturally a left-back, he was ultimately unable to convince Rob Edwards of his suitability at wing-back or centre-back.

But Borges leaves Boro, initially just on loan, as a fan favourite, with many supporters saddened by his exit after just 12 months at the club.

It followed a turnaround in his Boro career last term, having initially struggled to shine in the first half of the season before emerging as a leader during a tough period in the new year.