Gaizka Mendieta insists he has no problem with Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate despite being frozen out at The Riverside.
The former Spain international has not featured for Boro this season with the club indicating they are willing to let him leave.
"The coach makes the decision and I accept it like a professional.
"I insist that I have no problems with the coach. I respect his decisions and that is fine with me."
The classy midfielder believes he could still a job for Boro and remains hopeful that he will figure for them this term.
"I believe that I am still able to play for Boro," added Mendieta. "It is my challenge to play in a match in the Premier League.
"In the summer my situation was worse.
"I aspire to be in the starting XI and the season is long."
Mendieta says he is in the dark about his future and that all he is focusing on is regaining his place in the side.
"In the last weeks I have not spoken to the directors about my future," noted Mendieta.
"I saw some rumours in the press about the winter transfer market, but I have signed a deal with Boro and my dream is to play and help the team."
