GIANLUCA FESTA has admitted he wants to end his five-year association with Middlesbrough - and believes he may have left Inter Milan too soon when Bryan Robson brought him to the Premiership.

The Sardinian centre-back, whose own goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final at Old Trafford in April crushed Boro's hopes of a first major trophy, has a year remaining on his Riverside contract.

But the 33-year-old defender has set his heart on making a fresh start and has an open mind about whether he will stay in England or return to Italy, where Atalanta have shown an interest.

Festa, signed from Inter for £2.7m in February 1997, had hoped to be reunited with his former Cagliari coach, Claudio Ranieri, at Chelsea last season, but talks broke down.

The arrival of England's Gareth Southgate last summer following Boro's appointment of Steve McClaren, ensured Festa's first-team opportunities would be limited.

Now, while on holiday in Sardinia, Festa has spoken of his desire to make a clean break.

He said: "Even though I have another year on my contract at Middlesbrough, I want a change.

"At Chelsea, I would find my first coach Ranieri. Unfortunately, negotiations ran aground.

"I could return to Italy. There has been interest from Atalanta, but again negotiations were not good.

"I have another three or four years of my career and to spend the majority of that time with Cagliari would give me immense pleasure.

"I don't regret any decisions I have made in the past, but perhaps I could have stayed with Inter longer.

"I decided to go to Middlesbrough with the intention of only staying for one year.

"Instead, I have made a home there. I am satisfied with my career with them - the only thing lacking has been a trophy.

"I am not working in the most beautiful place in the world, but the training facilities are beautiful, the stadium is fantastic, and I live in a splendid house. My family are also happy.

"But I am looking at the chance of leaving. I want to make something of the last few years of my career.

"I could stay in England or even move back to Italy. I find that my style is perfectly suited to the Premiership.''

Read more about Middlesbrough here.