Didier Digard has ruled himself out of helping Middlesbrough's relegation battles. The French midfielder picked up knee and groin injuries which is expected to sideline him for around three months.

But the 22-year-old has confirmed he will not be featuring as he does not want to rush his rehabilitation like he did when he was with Paris St Germain last season.

"My season is over," he told Le 10 Sport.

"If I resume before the summer, it will only be to take part in training sessions.

"I don't want to make the same mistakes as I did in Paris.

"Last season I came back too early and had a relapse. At Boro, the officials have given me carte blanche over my rehabilitation.

"I don't feel the same pressure I felt at PSG."

Digard insists that he is loving his new life in the North East - despite the fact Boro are embroiled in a relegation battle.

"My arrival in the Premier League, I could not dream of anything better," he continued.

"When I signed for Boro, I had not played for six months but the club gave me time to adapt to the competition.

"I think I have blossomed, the Premier League really suits me - I can't see myself playing anywhere else now.

"I love the state of mind, the aggressiveness, challenges, the life and everything.

"I don't regret leaving PSG - I wanted to leave, contrary to what has been said.

"Coach Paul Le Guen wanted to keep me, but he preferred to work with people who were focused on the club, which wasn't necessarily the case with me."