Christian Karembeu wishes Middlesbrough success on their Premier League return

The French superstar joined Boro from Real Madrid in 2000 and spent a season at the Riverside, scoring four goals in 36 appearances.

“Nobody could understand why I would go from Real Madrid to Boro,” he told Boro’s website.

“But I went there to visit the facilities and it was incredible.

“I said I needed to go there because the conditions to be a footballer were all there. Of course after that we all know that you need a team and management.

“I hope Boro play as a big team in the Premier League because they have the fans and facilities.

“They also have Mr Steve Gibson so I’m always following Boro. I won the World Cup but the Boro was a great experience.”