Middlesbrough striker rules out return and slams Tony Pulis’ tactics
While he has made his intentions clear of not returning to Boro, Martin Braithwaite is unsure what the future has in store for him.
Middlesbrough striker Martin Braithwaite, who is currently on loan at Spanish side Leganes, has offered a scathing critique of Tony Pulis’ tactics whilst also ruling out a move back to Boro in the summer.
The 27-year-old had a torrid time during his one-and-a-half year stay at the Riverside Stadium and made no secret of his frustrations in an interview with a Danish media outlet.
"I’m not coming back to Middlesbrough, I can’t imagine that."
"The project I was presented with at Middlesbrough changed completely when Pulis arrived. He has a strange way to play football. The team plays defensively with long balls. It’s really kick and rush. It doesn’t look so good to me."
"It's the reason I didn't play much at Middlesbrough but I never complained. I worked hard and tried to maintain the good mood every day in the workout."
Braithwaite was tipped by betting apps Android to do well upon joining Leganes in the January transfer window, and he made an immediate impact for the Spanish side, scoring against the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona in consecutive games.
However, while he has already scored 4 goals for La Liga side, Braithwaite isn’t optimistic about his long-term future in Spain.
"Leganes have no purchase option on me. I’m very happy to be at the club, but I don’t think it’s a place I’m going to continue because they probably can’t pay the transfer fee for me."
"I want a little more stability with regards to my football future. I want to find a club where I can play for a long time, not least for my family’s sake."
- Boro hopeful of Jonny Howson return for Chelsea clash
- Luke Ayling joins Boro on loan from Leeds United
While Braithwaite’s comments will no doubt infuriate Tony Pulis, they might also antagonise the Boro faithful who stood by the striker even though his form nosedived in the first half of this season.
