Chuba Akpom reveals the ex-Middlesbrough, Leeds United and Chelsea striker he admired and what Boro fans can expect from him

The 24-year-old moved to the Riverside from Greek side PAOK last week and could make his debut for the Teessiders at QPR on Saturday.

Akpom wanted to return to England after leaving Arsenal in 2018 and was convinced to join Boro after a phone call with manager Neil Warnock

“There were a few Championship teams who were interested and a few teams abroad that were interested,” Akpom told the media during a press conference via Zoom.

“For me doing two years abroad I felt like it was the right time to come back, I was missing my family.

“I just thought I needed to get back and be nearer to my family.

“There were a few other options and I had to speak with my family and my agent to make the right decision but I was always keen to come.”

Boro have been playing with two strikers this season, while Warnock has said he still wants to sign a fourth frontman before the end of the transfer window.

Akpom says he’s looking forward to playing alongside Fletcher and Assombalonga, and believes he can bring different qualities to the team.

“I like to call myself more of a modern-day striker,” said Akpom when asked about his main attributes.

“I’m fairly strong, quick, I can go down the channels for balls. I like to make runs in behind and am quite good at one v ones.

“All three of us, me, Britt and Fletch are all different types of players so that’s perfect because we can all use our features in different ways.”

Akpom also admired former Boro striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink when he was growing up, with the Dutchman also impressing at Leeds and Chelsea while playing in England.

“My favourite two strikers were Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Thierry Henry,” revealed Akpom.

“Jimmy was a more powerful player with a powerful shot, good goal scorer. Thierry was more eloquent, technique and everything so they were my two favourites.”

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