George Boateng insists he wants to stay with Middlesbrough.

The 32 year-old midfielder said: "There are a lot of issues to consider.

"I love this club and this area, it has been tremendous to me. And I love the fans too: the support and encouragement over the years has helped me immensely and I want to play for them and bring them joy.

"But sometimes you have to make a decision for yourself. You have to put yourself in a position where you can best meet your own standards and for me that means playing at the highest level possible.

"I want to do that at Boro but not everything is in my hands."