ChampionshipMiddlesbrough have confirmed the appointment of Aitor Karanka as their new head coach. Karanka believes the time is right to step out of Jose Mourinho's shadow after agreeing a two-and-a-half-year deal to succeed Tony Mowbray at the Riverside Stadium.
The 40 year old worked for three years under Mourinho at Real Madrid before leaving the club when the Portuguese departed to re-join Chelsea in the summer.
"I have been three years with Jose Mourinho and he was supporting me every day. I learned from him and his staff and I think I am ready to start," he said.
"You can learn everything from him on the pitch and off the pitch and in the training room, he's great - he's the one."
"He is the person who has supported me and I have spoken with him and he recommended me to come here and he believed in this project like me."
"It is a very important day for me. It's my first job and it's the best thing I can do to find a club that feels like a family with big facilities, stadium and supporters."
