ONE of the downsides to Andraz Sporar’s loan at Middlesbrough coming to an end is that an incredibly contagious chant concocted by the fans will now go to waste. But the Slovenian striker has paid tribute to the club for a ‘fantastic’ season on Teesside.

Sporar heads back to Sporting Lisbon having scored eight goals in 37 appearances in all competitions for Boro. Manager Chris Wilder has expressed disappointment in his forwards this season for their lack of productivity but Sporar stands ahead of any other striker in the club’s goalscoring charts.

"We thank them all," Wilder said. "From the loan players' point of view it maybe hasn’t worked out as they’d have liked. It’s been a difficult period for us on that one

The 28-year-old scored some important goals for the club including a match winning penalty in a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth as well as a smart flick against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

He was a popular figure on Teesside but the club are unlikely to make any pursuits for a potential permanent deal.

“Season has now come to an end and I’d like to thank everyone for making me so welcome” Sporar posted on Instagram.

“To come so close to the play-offs and to reach the FA Cup sixth round was fantastic and I have so many memories of my year here. Most of all, I’d like to thank you, the fans, for your amazing support.

“To have a chant like you made for me was something I will never forget and I can’t thank you all enough. I’ll always follow the Boro.”

Sporar is contracted at the Portuguese club until the summer of 2025 and could well be on the move elsewhere this summer.

However, Boro are well on their way towards a summer rebuild with Chris Wilder revealing his made contact with potential targets ahead of the new season.