Middlesbrough new boy Afonso Alves was given a hero's welcome as the club's record signing was finally unveiled to the fans on Thursday.

The 27-year-old, who completed a move which it is understood could eventually amount to £12.7million last Thursday, was presented to supporters at the Riverside Stadium.

In an echo of the welcome given to compatriot Juninho more than 12 years ago, the Brazilian was greeted by a samba band and hundreds of schoolchildren waving his country's flag.

Alves, wearing the number 12 shirt and blue boots, walked out on to the pitch accompanied by manager Gareth Southgate and two carnival dancers in full costume to rapturous applause.

He then faced the banks of cameras before greeting fans and signing autographs.

Southgate told the crowd: "I was just saying to Afonso, we have a great affinity with Brazilian players at Middlesbrough.

"It will mean a lot to him that so many people have come out to welcome him to the club."