Boro defender George Friend says the movement taking place at the club is a real show of intent ahead of the new season.





Friend and his team-mates were joined by returning duo Stewart Downing and Jonathan Woodgate in Marbella on Friday, as Aitor Karanka's squad starts to take shape ahead of the new campaign.





England international Downing returns to Boro after six-years in the Premier League with Aston Villa, Liverpool, and West Ham, and signing the 30-year-old is seen as a real coup.





"I'd never met him before he came out here, but I'd heard a lot about him, and it's great he's here," said Friend.





"To come back here, the club obviously means a lot to him. It's a special place, and to have a player of his calibre is terrific.





"It's great for the lads, for the fans, and for the team. The chairman has shown his cards and bringing players in like Stewart Downing shows intent - and that's encouraging if you're a current player or an old player or a fan because you want Middlesbrough to do well.





"We're very excited by it. With signings like this we have a good chance, but we have to work hard in this league."





While Downing returns to the club after spells elsewhere, Woodgate has put any plans of retirement on hold to help his hometown club have a serious assault on the Championship.





"I'm sure his phone has been going all summer with the lads texting him asking him what he's doing," added Friend.





"We wanted him back and to find out he is coming back, and meeting him out here...he's so influential in the changing room. We're delighted he's back."



