STEWART DOWNING has re-signed for Blackburn Rovers and could potentially play for them in their up-coming match against boyhood side Middlesborough.
Downing, 36, has penned a one-year deal with the Championship club.
Downing has re-joined Blackburn for a second stintCredit: Getty – Contributor
He had initially joined Blackburn from Boro in 2019 but his contract expired at the end of last season.
The former England player has now agreed fresh terms at Ewood Park.
The midfielder revealed he spoke with manager Tony Mowbray about signing a new contract and would have possibly retired if he wasn’t given the chance.
He said: “I always wanted to come back since the last game of last season and told the manager that.
“I said that if it wasn’t to be here then I’d probably have stopped playing and would have looked into something new.
“I had a really good time here last season, I really enjoyed it.”
He played an instrumental role in the team last season and managed to play 38 of Rover’s 43 league matches, scoring three goals and providing eight assists in the process.
Downing went on to say that the relationship with the manager and players played a major part in his success at the club.
He added: “The lads were great, the manager was good to me and we had a really good relationship, which was probably why he got so many games out of me.”
Rovers fans were delighted with his signing and took to Twitter to share their joy.
One fan said: “Super Downing to the rescue,” while another said: “Good news. Up there with the best performers last season.”
Downing, who clocked up 35 England caps during his heyday, has joined the team just in-time to face his boyhood club Boro, who Rovers take on tomorrow.
But Mowbray is doubtful that he will play in the game as he lacks match fitness.
He said: “We’ve got to use the international break to get Stewy fit.
“We’ll use the two weeks to get him up to speed. He joined in with training today and looked fine, but it’s different in a light training session on a Monday preparing for Tuesday night.”
Downing has deep ties to Boro, the club he began his career at when he joined their Under-13 academy.
His first stint ended when Boro were relegated in 2011, and he went on to join Aston Villa, Liverpool and West Ham.
He joined them again in 2015 before he left for the Rovers last year.
Downing began his career with Middlesbrough and returned for a second stint in 2015Credit: PA:Empics Sport
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
