Traore relishing fresh start at Middlesbrough

He experienced a difficult first season in England with Aston Villa but after sealing a switch to Middlesbrough, Adama Traore insists he finally feels at home.

Traore, 20, joined Villa one year ago from Barcelona for a reported £7m but struggled for form and game-time as the Midlanders were relegated.

His time in England looked set to come to a close this summer but after becoming Boro’s 11th signing since they sealed promotion to the Premier League – Traore admits he finally feels revitalised.

“I am very happy to come here, it is important for me to come here to develop my football, but I have come here to work for the team,” said the 20-year-old.

“It is important for every player to progress, to come to a big club. For this opportunity I am happy and grateful.

“I am young.  My personality on the pitch is speed, and dribbling. These, I think, are my better skills. I like to attack, I like to excite.

“But it is important to work hard for the team and if I do I think we could all have a good season.”

Traore is determined to show English fans what he is all about this season – and in the process dispel the doom and gloom he experienced at Villa Park last season.

“It is true I have lot of experience, with Barcelona and Aston Villa. Those were great experiences, this is a new one and I need to work hard,” he added.

“My point in the team is a striker. I like to attack defenders and to score if possible, if not then pass to someone who can and we win the game. This is my job.

“It is good there are many Spanish speakers here, this will help, but it is important that I speak English and learn the language better.  This will help everybody.”