The club is delighted to confirm the signing of Stewart Downing from West Ham United for an undisclosed fee.





Downing, a product of the Boro Academy, completed his move on Thursday evening, signing a four-year contract, and is flying out to link up with Aitor Karanka's squad in Marbella.





The move represents a return home for a player who played a key role in Boro's success in the 2000s, making almost 250 appearances for the club between 2001 and 2009.





Downing departed in 2009 for £12m to Aston Villa and two years later, he joined Liverpool for a whopping £20m. He joined West Ham in 2013 for £5m and made 69 Premier League appearances for the Hammers.





The 30-year-old, who boasts 35 England caps, has made almost 500 career appearances at the highest level, and has scored 50 goals.





Boro Head Coach Aitor Karanka was delighted to complete the signing of the player and he said: "It's an amazing signing for us. He's more than just a player.





"Nobody expected him to come here, but he wants to be here, and is completely committed to the club and the team. He is a very good person and I'm excited to work with him."



