MIDDLESBROUGH’S new record £15m buy Britt Assombalonga has revealed how Garry Monk’s vision for promotion convinced him to move to the Riverside Stadium.
The 24-year-old striker completed his switch to Teesside on Monday night after Boro fought off competition from the Premier League for the Nottingham Forest man’s signature.
And Assombalonga, in an interview with TalkSport this afternoon, has revealed how he is excited to get started.
He said: “The manager was down to earth, showed me the mission, how he really wanted to work with me. He has a goal to get back to the Premier League. I bought into what he said and I only had one option and that was to move to Middlesbrough.
“Promotion is the aim, it’s the aim for a lot of clubs, we are in a stronger position, it’s going to be a big season and everyone is ready for it. The players coming in shows we are ready for it.”
Assombalonga has been part of a £30m spending spree so far from chairman Steve Gibson and there is likely to be more to follow.
Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo is in his sights, although Fulham have also agreed a loan deal for him with the Reds and Newcastle are still keen.
And Assombalonga, who could play at Mansfield tomorrow, wants to prove his worth with goals.
He said: “We need the support to get back to the Premier League and the fans will play a major part in the march.
“I have never set myself targets throughout my career, I go with the flow. I am not setting a number, I just want to do as well as I can.”
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