Wigan Athletic midfielder Lee Cattermole says he had no choice but to leave Middlesbrough in the summer.

He explained to the Guardian: "I just felt that once [Steve] McClaren had gone I wasn't playing as many games. It was like I'd hit a standstill. The new gaffer [Gareth Southgate] took over and suddenly I was in and out of the team. I haven't got a bad word to say about him.

"He was the best player I've ever played with, a great leader and a model professional and he sent me a nice letter when I left. But he preferred other players to me, which can happen, and I wanted to play more regularly. I'm happier now because I'm playing for someone who wants me."