Reported Leeds, West Brom and Stoke target reveals why he joined Middlesbrough

The 22-year-old centre-back completed a loan switch to the Riverside from St Etienne on transfer deadline day despite offers from other clubs.

Championship sides Leeds, Stoke, West Brom and Derby were all linked with the defender, yet Moukoudi felt Boro was the best option.

“I am so happy. It’s a great club,” Moukoudi told the club’s website. “In France, you know Middlesbrough.

“I played here in pre-season, and I saw a good team, good players and a younger group. For me, I think that’s the best. I want to help the team progress because I am a young player myself.

“I had a lot of clubs in this window but I chose Middlesbrough.

“I am impressed by the stadium. In France, the second league haven’t got stadiums like this, and the feeling when I played here was special.”

Moukoudi took part in his first training session at Rockliffe earlier this week and is looking forward to a new challenge in England.

“The group is good, and my first training has been very good as well,” he said.

“There are good young players here. The intensity and technical play, for a Championship team it is very good.

“It’s good for my progression to be here. I will try to be cool and aggressive, learn the tactics and the mentality of the group, and communicate with the other defenders. I will have to learn the language - I need my best English!”

“I want to learn with my other defenders and with the coach, he played in the same position as me, and I think he will be good for my progression.”

The defender played regularly for St Etienne earlier in the season but had started just one of the side’s last six league games before leaving for Boro.

“For me it’s difficult to play one week, and not play the next week,” Moukoudi added.

“I want to play every week here and I will work hard to do that.”