MIDDLESBROUGH striker Tuncay Sanli is flattered by the desire shown by the club to bring him to Teesside.

The biggest star in Turkish football set his heart on moving to the Premier League, and once Boro had expressed an interest in the player he was as good as theirs.

The 25-year-old admitted he had no interest in moving to a London club - and was shocked when his new manager turned up at the airport this week to greet him.

"I was not interested in living in a big city," said Tuncay. "It is not important to me, not my first concern.

"The important thing is that the club wants me to play here. I always played with my heart and want to show people the talent that I have.

"I would like to thank Boro for giving me everything I asked and meeting all my conditions

"When I first arrived here, something happened which has never happened before, the coach (Gareth Southgate) was at the airport when I arrived and it made me feel good."

With a pedigree that includes being the only player to score a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester United, the Middlesbrough fans will expect a lot from the former Fenerbahce man.

But he is refusing to put any undue pressure on himself by setting targets for his first season in English football, with his only goal to prove himself in the Premier League.

"Of course I will try and score goals here but what is most important is that I contribute to the team overall. That is my only target - to help and support the team.

"I just want to help the team play better. It is not about individuals scoring goals.

"The club have got targets and I want to play my part in helping them meet them. I know Boro played in the UEFA Cup final. I just want to be part of the team and do all I can."

The 25-year-old can play either wide, as an out-and-out striker or just behind the front two, versatility Southgate is keen to exploit.

"He gives us great options in terms of positions he can play," said the Boro boss.

"I have seen him play left, right and centre midfield and he can also play as an auxiliary striker. He is a very talented player, an intelligent footballer."

Tuncay is adamant it was his decision alone to come to Teesside, but admitted to enjoying a few chats with Newcastle United's Turkish midfielder Emre before making his decision.

"I talked to Emre about coming and spoke to him about football in England," he said. "But it was my decision to come here and mine alone. I know all about football in England."