SAMMY Silvera says it's an "incredible" feeling to join Middlesbrough and having studied Michael Carrick's side last season, the "explosive" winger thinks he'll fit in nicely on Teesside.
And as Silvera settled in having completed his switch from Central Coast Mariners, his former boss Nick Montgomery told of his pride in the 22-year-old.
Former Sheffield United midfielder Montgomery - now in charge at the Mariners - revealed several other clubs at least matched Boro's offer for Silvera, but said the in-demand winger made it clear that a move to the Riverside was his preferred choice.
Silvera first joined Mariners in 2019 before leaving for Paços de Ferreira in Portugal. He returned to his former club last summer and enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough season, turning heads of clubs in England, Scotland and Asia.
Stoke, Plymouth, Hearts and clubs in Japan all made a move for Silvera, but his heart was set on the Boro switch.
“For Sammy to have the opportunity to join a club like Middlesbrough is testament to the development of him both as a person and a player in such a short time," said Montgomery.
"When we brought Sam back to the club he had been through a difficult few years of not playing many minutes of football and not really enjoying his football. I had no doubt of his potential and in the second half of this season he excelled and along with the other attacking players showed massive quality.
“As a club we are delighted for Sammy to provide him this pathway to Europe’s elite and to a club challenging for the Premier League. Sam had strong interest from a number of clubs around Europe and in Asia. Matt Simon negotiated offers around and in excess of Middlesbrough’s bid, but with Sammy’s desire to join the club and also be closer to his mum who lives in the UK, we worked together to make this happen. This move also shows the Mariners brand has become a real name around the world.”
Silvera joined his new teammates in training on Friday after signing a three-year deal and could feature in today's behind closed doors friendly against Vitoria Guimaraes.
In his first interview as a Boro player, the winger told the club website: "It's been incredible. It's been extremely welcoming. The boys seem a great bunch of lads and I cant wait to get started and get amongst it.
"I didn't have much nerves coming in but the boys have been really welcoming. Knowing Riley and now Tom Glover, it's good to have that Aussie connection and it feels really comfortable being here."
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Silvera said McGree and his improvement at Boro was a major contributing factor as he considered his options this summer.
"Throughout that period I was trying to stay patient with it all and find out as much information as I could," he said.
"Speaking to others who have been at the club and seeing Riley and how well he's playing, that was a big factor. Speaking to the gaffer, there was such a welcoming and relaxed feel about it that really helped me decide I wanted to be here.
"I spoke to Riley. He had a great season and felt he really improved here and was really growing and said it would be a good place for me as well."
Silvera watched from afar as Boro just missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season.
He said: "I want to build on last season. It was an amazing season, but it didn't quite happen unfortunately.
"Watching the play-offs, the style of play is very attacking but all the boys work for each other and that's a huge factor and something I want to be part of. I feel like an explosive but unpredictable player. I want to work for the club and badge and show I'm here to work really hard and improve, attacking and defending. Hopefully I can score goals and provide assists."
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