Middlesbrough must ‘play for their pride’ despite relegation

Middlesbrough may have already been relegated but they must sign off on a high in their final home game of the season, according to George Friend.

Boro were relegated on Monday by champions-elect Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, to consign Steve Agnew’s side back to the Championship after just one season in the Premier League.

With relegation confirmed, the Reds face Southampton at the Riverside before heading to Anfield on the final day of the season.

Photo caption: Getty Images

And the defender has called on his side to produce a performance to be proud of in front of their home support.

“You have to have a reaction,” said Friend.

“You have to give it everything for the last two games then over the summer review what’s gone wrong.”

The 29-year-old urged his fellow players to play for their own pride and revealed he has been honoured to represent the nort east side.

He said: “You play for pride, you play because you’re a professional and to play for Middlesbrough should be an honour.

“Any of the 30,000 fans at the Riverside would play for nothing and we’re paid to do it. It’s important to realise that you’re a professional and you have to get on with your job.

“The fans deserve us to go out there and give it a go.”