Middlesbrough boosted as Daniel Ayala agrees new deal to stay with Premier League new boys
MIDDLESBROUGH received a huge boost ahead of the Premier League kick-off as Daniel Ayala committed his future to the club.
The Spanish defender has been linked with a move away from the Riverside this summer with only a year left on his original deal.
Rafa Benitez was reportedly keen to entice his fellow countryman to neighbours Newcastle United, but the 25-year-old centre-half has ended fears of him leaving by penning a new deal until 2020.
Ayala said: “I didn’t think about anything else - I only had one decision in my mind and that was to sign with Middlesbrough.
“When I wasn’t at my best Boro gave me the chance, and I’ve improved myself under Aitor Karanka.”
Speaking to Boro’s website, Ayala continued: “All of the fans really like me and I’m really settled here.
“My family are really happy here, my son was born here and hopefully my second will be born here too.”
Former Liverpool man Ayala has been a linchpin for Boro since joining the club from Norwich City, originally on loan in 2013, before joining the Teessiders on a permanent basis the following year.
He was part of the side that reached the Championship play-off final in 2015 before an outstanding campaign last season, which saw him named in the Championship’s team of the year, ended in him helping Boro to promotion.
Ayala is currently working his way back to fitness after an ankle injury has ruled him out of Boro’s pre-season so far.
But he is desperate to get on the pitch and help his side secure their top flight status.
Ayala added: “After two hard seasons in the Championship, I can’t wait. It’s a dream come true.
“Hopefully, with the signings we’ve made we can do well next season.”
Middlesbrough begin their Premier League campaign at home to Stoke City next Saturday.