George Friend opens up on Middlesbrough exit, decision to join Birmingham and his relationship with Aitor Karanka

The 32-year-old spent eight memorable seasons at the Riverside but decided to join Championship club Birmingham City when his contract expired in the summer.

Friend signed a two-year deal, with an optional third, at St Andrew’s in August but says he won’t forget his time on Teesside.

"I definitely did have a special relationship, it was built over time," Friend told Blues Talk, Birmingham’s club podcast.

"I got involved in the community. Both my daughters are Teessiders, they will always be Teessiders. I'd imagine they'll always support Middlesbrough.

"I was warmly welcomed from the off, they (the fans) embraced me as much as I embraced them. It helped that I did some good things on the pitch as well.

"It all fitted really. My ambition is to have something similar here at Birmingham. I know because of my age it won't be the same timeframe.

"I'm excited about being at Birmingham, I hope to build something here as well. The Middlesbrough thing will be held dearly to me but it is in the past now and I'm concentrating on doing my best here."

Friend played at left-back during most of his time at Boro but switched to a centre-back role last season.

The defender has started Birmingham’s first three league games in the heart of defence this season and says it’s a position he’s familiar with.

"I signed for Boro as potentially a centre half but Joe Bennett left and Tony Mowbray used me at left-back,” Friend added.

"I had a great time. I got promotion with them, I was fortunate enough to captain the club. It was brilliant.

"I made that decision to leave which wasn't easy, but I'm pleased I made it. I'm really looking forward to what's ahead."

Friend’s decision to join Birmingham was influenced by the arrival of former Boro boss Aitor Karanka in the summer.

“He gave me a text," said Friend when asked about Karanka. "When the season finished I was a free agent.

"Middlesbrough offered me something and I was trying to work out what to do. I got a text from him and it sort of escalated from there really. I had my medical and then I was here. My wife has family in Birmingham so that was a big part and helped.

"I actually feel quite refreshed and ready to go.

"Having been at Middlesbrough such a long time it was a hard decision but I'm really pleased to be here, it's exciting, a new start.

"The manager's CV as a player speaks volumes but it doesn't always make you a good manager. What's good about him is he realises what's needed in the Championship. That's a long way off the Champions League, but he knows what's required.

"He's incredibly detailed, organised, a good man manager, all these things. That showed at Middlesbrough and I really hope something similar can happen here at Birmingham."

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