seasoned full-back Luke Ayling has made a permanent move to Middlesbrough and is eager to start a new chapter in his career.
After his Leeds United contract expired, Luke Ayling said he made a “pretty straightforward decision” to become a permanent member of Middlesbrough. The right-back, who signed a two-year contract at the Riverside, is a crucial element of the Whites team that achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa.
Ayling made 19 Championship starts while on loan at Boro in the second part of the previous campaign, dishing out eight assists. With just one loss in their previous 12 games, Michael Carrick’s club finished seventh thanks in large part to the 32-year-old.
“I had a great four months here, so resigning was a pretty straightforward decision,” Ayling remarked upon returning to Boro. We’ve been working on it for a while, so I’m glad we can finally reveal it. It was an easy choice to make after chatting with the gaffer and other club patrons and getting to know the guys in the locker room.”Other teams probably would have been interested, but I signed on because of what transpired at the close of the previous season, how the team was performing, and what I think we can accomplish the following year. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in the upcoming year.
It feels like the season ended a little too soon for us this time, so I’m eager to get back in. It’s been lovely to have a short break, but it felt like it arrived a few weeks too soon since we were playing well, scoring goals, and playing good football.”
After joining from Bristol City in 2016, Ayling has made 268 appearances and scored 11 goals before leaving Elland Road. Ayling, who watched the Whites lose their play-off match against Southampton on Sunday at Wembley, said, “The boys and the staff deserve so much credit for how well it went for me last season.” They were really welcoming to me. After seven and a half years, I was leaving Leeds.
“I was a little anxious when I first arrived because I felt at ease there. However, the guys were excellent with me. I think I’ve already developed into a leader in the locker room, and I’m excited to continue that role the next season.
“My main goal in coming here was to show myself—more than anyone else—that I am still capable of playing at a high level. I’m pretty proud of that since I think I earned my contract here by doing that.
“Of course, the fans made me feel so good and wanted right away. I could feel their excitement from the very beginning when I signed.” I believe I performed well on the pitch, which benefits the supporters.
