Yannick Bolasie reveals why he signed for Middlesbrough over other clubs as ex-Aston Villa and Crystal Palace man discusses transfer from Everton

The 31-year-old hasn’t played a competitive match for the Toffees for over two years, amid loan spells at Aston Villa, Anderlecht and Sporting Lisbon.

Bolasie almost signed for Boro back in October, and in 2018 before signing for Villa, but a deal wasn’t completed in time

Speaking to Boro’s website, the winger said: "It's kind of a case of 'finally!

"I'm delighted that this time it's gone through and I'm just looking forward to coming in and helping the team.

"We know that Middlesbrough's a big club, I've seen some legends come through here - Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Mark Viduka, Mendieta, Juninho.

"And I know where the club should be, so the main thing is to get it back there.

"We've got a good squad from what I've seen and obviously I know the manager really well - it's a match really."

Bolasie knows Boro boss Neil Warnock well from their time together at Crystal Palace and hopes he can rediscover the form he produced at Selhurst Park.

The winger did have other offers to go and play abroad but decided Boro was the best option.

“When the gaffer was at Palace he gave me that freedom, I had responsibilities but I had that freedom as well to enjoy the game even more,” Bolasie added.

“When I was speaking to him over the phone he just told me to come here and enjoy myself..

“It was a long hard think but in the end it came round easy because I did have other places I could have went to but playing under the gaffer and trying to do something special by getting promoted.

“I do feel I have unfinished business in England because I haven’t played in England for around two years now so I think this was the best opportunity for myself.”

Bolasie will be available for Boro’s game against Championship leaders Norwich City on Saturday but is unlikely to start for the Teessiders as he gets up to speed.

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