DELANO Burgzorg had two key meetings and reached out to speak to Middlesbrough defender Anfernee Dijksteel before his move to Teesside - but needed little convincing after Boro left a lasting impression on the forward last term.

Burgzorg was on loan at Huddersfield Town last season and made his debut from the bench in a 1-1 draw at the Riverside in August.

That came at a time when Boro were struggling to find their feet but Burgzorg could still see what Michael Carrick's side were all about.

He believes he's a good fit on Teesside and was instantly interested in a move to the Riverside when he learnt of transfer interest from Boro at the back end of last season.

He initially met with head of football Kieran Scott before sitting down with Carrick and being struck by the head coach's "good energy". The Dutch forward also got the green light on the move from Netherlands-born Dijksteel.

His arrival was confirmed on day one of the summer transfer window, with the 25-year-old moving from Mainz and signing a four-year deal.

"I think it was five or six weeks ago the club showed interest in me," he said in his first club interview.

"First I sat with Kieran and then the second appointment was with the coach. He gave me good energy.

"I know he's a legend. He played for Manchester United, so I know him. But his way of playing football, I saw Middlesbrough, they bring something different, I like their way of playing football. I don't know anything about the city yet but it seems like a warm club.

"The first game (against Huddersfield last season) was also the first game for me in the Championship. Already I could see they played good football. The second game I was injured. Their way of playing football, the way they make chances and play forward, I just like that.

"I don't know the players personally but I've played against them. Before I came here I asked Anf how the club is and how Middlesbrough is. He helped me out."

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Burgzorg endured a difficult first season in the Championship with a struggling Huddersfield dropping into League One but he scored seven goals for the Terriers and caught Boro's eye. He believes his second tier experience will help him settle on Teesside and arrives with big ambitions.

"I think what everybody expects this season is play-offs and going to the Premier League as well," he said.

"This is my expectations. This is what I expect from myself and from the team, that we give everything to reach the play-offs."

Asked what fans can expect, the new recruit said: "Hopefully as many goals and assists. I like to entertain. I like to have the ball, do my actions, I like to work hard for the team and help the team out.

"It seems a nice place and area. I have come here, the people are nice to me and the club is warm."