STEWART DOWNING will join his new Middlesbrough teammates in Marbella on Friday after completing his move from West Ham United.

The club confirmed the signing last night, after the 30-year-old playmaker arrived on Teesside to complete a medical and agree personal terms.

SCOTT WILSON: Downing deal a sensational piece of business for Boro

And he will head to Spain with Jonathan Woodgate, after the centre-half last night opted against retirement and signed a new, one-year deal to carry on playing.

Boss Aitor Karanka said: “Woody will be important in the changing room.

“I really appreciated his reaction after hearing of Alex Baptiste’s injury, and he is ready to come back. He knows his role will be a bit different. He wants to come here to help us get promotion. I said last season and I’ll say it again, he can be very important because he is a good person and a good lad.’’

Downing will cost Boro £5m, which is understood to be rising to £7m dependent on appearances and any future promotion to the Premier League.

And Downing, who left in 2009 following Boro’s relegation to the Championship, signed a four-year contract.

“It’s great to be back home,” said Downing. “I always said I wanted to come back and I’m delighted the chance has now come,” he added. “I didn’t put a time limit on it but now the circumstances are right. There was a shout about me coming back here on loan when I was at Liverpool, but it didn’t happen. But now I’m here, and I’m buzzing.

“This is a good time to be coming back to Boro, and hopefully I can enjoy another four to five years playing at the top.”

The Pallister Park-raised winger admitted that as soon as Boro showed an interest, there was only one option for him.

“It would be the biggest achievement of my career if I could help us get back into the Premier League,” Downing said. “I’ve spoken to Aitor Karanka and I can’t wait to pull on a Boro shirt again.

Karanka said on Thursday night: “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.”