MICHAEL Reiziger last night revealed that he swapped Barcelona for Middlesbrough in order to win trophies.

The Dutch international became Steve McClaren's first summer signing when he put pen to paper on a two-year deal yesterday, with the option of a further 12-month extension if things go to plan.

The reliable right-back spent seven years at Barcelona after moving from Italian giants AC Milan in August 1997.

But, after lifting the Spanish title in his first two seasons at the Nou Camp, Reiziger was forced to endure five trophy-less years as the club's fortunes slumped.

Boro have hardly been perennial cup winners themselves but, after last year's history-making Carling Cup triumph, Reiziger is confident he can help bring more silverware to the Riverside.

"The last cup I won was five years ago," said Reiziger, who was part of the Dutch side that lost to Portugal in the semi-finals of Euro 2004. "So I'm very hungry to win trophies.

"This is a tough league, but I think we have a good team. It's always difficult to say what you are or what you aren't going to do.

"Even at Barcelona it was difficult to say because you have to play like a team.

"But we have the quality to grow. If we play like a team I think we can aim to win cups.

"I know Middlesbrough won a cup last year and, when you are winning, people always expect more. I'm sure that we will get more, and that's the ambition that I like to have.

"I will do everything to be a great help for the team. I've seen the players in the last few days and I think we have a good team here. We can do some positive things in Europe and in the league."

Reiziger turned down the chance of joining Spanish champions Valencia in order to achieve his aim of experiencing life in the Premiership.

The 31-year-old is an avowed admirer of the English game, but expects a baptism of fire when things get underway against Newcastle next month.

"The challenge is to adapt quickly because I know it's a very tough league," said Reiziger.

"I've performed well in Spain, and that's a very tough league, and now I want to perform well in England.

"The difference is the playing style. The games are very tough. But, like in Spain, the top team can lose to a team at the bottom. The difference between the teams is not that big.

"That's what you see now in the big competitions and you have to be focused and fit for every match.

"I always wanted to play in the Premier League and this year was a big chance for me.

"Valencia were banging on the door, but I chose to come to Middlesbrough because they gave me a good feeling when I talked to them."

Reiziger has joined compatriot George Boateng on Boro's books and, with winger Bolo Zenden poised to return to the Riverside for another year, Steve McClaren's side could have a Dutch look about it next season.

"Bolo and George influenced my decision," admitted Reiziger. "They were very positive about the training and how it's done here.

"I also talked with Paul Bosvelt about his first year at Manchester City and he talked about the excitement of playing in front of English crowds. That's something that I want to experience.

"It was difficult to leave Barcelona, but I am happy with the decision I've made."

The capture of Reiziger marks the first stage of a summer spending spree designed to prepare Boro for their maiden European campaign.

McClaren met the defender in Amsterdam on Friday after watching him in action during Euro 2004 and, within the space of an hour, he had agreed on a move to Teesside.

"It happened very quickly and that underlines how much Michael wants to play for Middlesbrough," revealed chief executive Keith Lamb.

"We're delighted to have him here. It's the club's intention, and that of Steve McClaren, to build on the success of last season.

"We want to put out the strongest possible team, and signing Michael is the first step on that path."

More signings are set to follow later this week with Mark Viduka's move from Leeds United expected to be completed today.

Boro are close to agreeing a deal with Chelsea that will see Zenden return to the Riverside, while Portsmouth striker Ayegbeni Yakubu and Newcastle midfielder Gary Speed are also firm targets.

"Mark's position with Middlesbrough is complete," confirmed Lamb. "There are still some technical problems with his former position at Leeds United.

"Both clubs have always insisted that when he formally joins Middlesbrough, he will join free of any encumbrance or problems with his former club.

"We're also pretty confident that Bolo will be playing for Middlesbrough next season.

"We're in constant touch with him and his father, and I'm pretty sure that we'll have an announcement on that in the not too distant future."

l Boro have also announced a new multi-million pound shirt sponsorship deal with online casino 888.com. The deal will see 888.com become the club's principal sponsor for the next three seasons.

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