ITALIAN hitman Massimo Maccarone has admitted he has struggled to come to terms with life in the Premiership.

But Middlesbrough's club record buy insists he is happy on Teesside and he is convinced the fans will soon see the best of him.

The Italian has been linked with a return to his homeland - with AC Milan and Juventus said to be interested - and he has been quoted as saying he is unhappy with being left out of Steve McClaren's starting line-up on a few occasions this season.

But Maccarone, who is still only 23, is adamant that he has not become disillusioned with his time in England since moving for £8.15m last summer.

The former Empoli star - on the scoresheet at home to Aston Villa last night - said: "It's difficult not being able to speak the language and explain to my teammates what the truth is.

"I really don't want my teammates or the fans thinking I'm full of myself without having done anything in England yet.

And Maccarone added: "I have never questioned any of the manager's decisions. We've talked about it and I'm happy with whatever he decides to do.

"I think the manager has always had faith in me and I'm sure he still has.

"I don't look at long term ambition because what I want to do is do things well now.

"Having been a year in the Premiership with Middlesbrough I'm sure there will be a much better year next season."

Read more about Middlesbrough here.