AliousThe Brazilian playmaker, who enjoyed several spells at Middlesbrough and became a central figure for the club, has looked back on one of the most pivotal choices of his career.
Although his time at the Riverside was filled with success and recognition — including the 2004 League Cup triumph — he now admits that leaving the club is a decision he regrets.
During his time with Boro, he made 150 appearances, scoring 34 goals and registering 18 assists, highlighting his influence as a creative force. Those performances naturally attracted attention from top Premier League sides, with Liverpool and Tottenham among the clubs keen to sign him.
Earlier in his career, he had joined Atletico Madrid between 1997 and 1999 in a deal worth €13.8m (£11.9m), before returning to Middlesbrough in 2002 for €6.9m (£5.9m) after loan spells back in Brazil.
Reflecting on that period in a Brazilian podcast, Juninho Paulista revealed that interest from England’s elite clubs was genuine as his time at Middlesbrough was coming to an end.
“There was interest from Manchester United, but they didn’t want to meet Middlesbrough’s asking price, which I think was around £12m (€14m). Ferguson didn’t want to pay.”
That valuation ultimately proved decisive. Despite strong interest from Old Trafford, no agreement was reached, opening the door for other clubs.
He also confirmed that Liverpool and Tottenham both submitted serious offers.
“Liverpool and Tottenham made offers.”
At the time, Middlesbrough were facing growing demand for one of their standout players. His consistency and impact across multiple spells had made him one of the most recognisable attacking midfielders outside the traditional top clubs.
Looking back now, Juninho believes he made the wrong call by leaving England instead of staying in the Premier League.
“If I had the awareness I have today, I wouldn’t have left England. I would have gone to Liverpool or Tottenham.”
That reflection underlines his regret. Despite having the chance to step up within English football, he chose a different path — one he now questions.
By leaving England, he brought an end to a highly successful chapter in a league where he had thrived.
In hindsight, Middlesbrough also came close to securing a significant transfer fee for one of their most valuable players. A potential £12m move to Manchester United would have been a major deal at the time, although it would have strengthened a domestic rival.
However, the club’s firm valuation meant the transfer never happened. Interest from Liverpool and Tottenham, meanwhile, underlined just how highly he was rated.
From the player’s perspective, the regret is clear. He now feels that staying in England and progressing within the Premier League could have been the better decision.
It adds a fresh perspective to what was already a successful spell at Middlesbrough, and highlights how crucial transfer decisions can shape the course of a player’s career.
Alious
