You Are Boateng!

‘You are Boateng! Always believe in your soul. You’ve got the power to know, you’re indestructible, always believing….you are Boateng!

George Boateng has today left Boro for Hull City in a move believed to be worth around £1 million. Boateng is a Boro fan favourite and was a great player for us in his time on Teesside – every Boro fan should thank him greatly for his contribution.

In the summer of 2002, Boateng signed for £5 million from Aston Villa and that price would turn out to be a bargain in the years to come. Boro got a tough tackling, high spirited midfielder with an infectious never say die attitude. He was the rock aroud which the team was built and up until last season whenever he wasn’t playing there was a huge un-fillable gap in the midfield which badly hampered us. He made 182 league appearances and scored 7 goals.

In 2004, Boateng was part of the team which lifted Boro’s first ever piece of major silverware at the Millenium Stadium – the Carling Cup.

During the 2004-2005 season George scored his most important goal for Boro and helped us on our way to a UEFA Cup Campaign the following season. He scored the winner in a 1-0 win against Tottenham at the Riverside to set-up a last day clash at Manchester City for the last remaining UEFA Cup spot and also knock Tottenham out of the running for it. That season was the perfect indication of how much Boro missed Boateng when he was out. Boateng picked up a toe injury midway through the season which ruled him out for 8 weeks. During that time Boro dropped from 4th to 9th in the league but when he returned the team finished in that all important 7th spot.

The 2005-2006 UEFA Cup campaign saw Boateng reach another final with Boro after a massive effort to get to Eindhoven and face Sevilla. Sadly it wasnt the best night, we all know what happened, but looking back it just shows how far we have come since Boateng arrived.

When Gareth Southgate was named as Steve McClaren’s successor in the summer of 2006 Boateng was named captain but this clearly effected his performances. He wasn’t looking as effective and whenever Woodgate took over he looked much more comfortable. During that season, and the one just gone, Boateng hasn’t always been a regular and had a little altercation with Southgate last term. However, he bounced back from that and whenever he has played for Boro he has always given 100% effort and that is the reason why Boro fans love him so much.

Hull have got a real gem in George, bags of experience and a whole hearted player.

So, thanks for everything George. You have given us some great memories and we all wish you well for your new adventure with Hull. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Riverside.