One of Middlesbrough’s past idols has come into focus again this week, after a detailed account of his move to England – and why perhaps he should never have left.
Juninho Paulista, who became one of the club’s most recognizable names in the late 1990s and early 2000s, made a significant impact in several spells at the Riverside.
In total, he played 150 matches for Middlesbrough, scoring 34 goals and providing 18 assists. He came to the club on three separate occasions, underlining both his importance and the relationship he formed with the team and fans.
Notably, he was also part of the team that won the League Cup during his second tenure in 2004, one of the club’s most significant modern achievements.
His comments now provide new insight into Middlesbrough’s recruitment strategy at the time as well as the impact he made after arriving.
According to the player, the move can be traced back to an international tournament in 1995, when he first attracted the attention of English football while playing for Brazilian side São Paulo.
“We played the Umbro Cup in England. It was Brazil, England, Sweden and Japan. We became champions and beat England 3-1 at Wembley.” he explained to one brazilian podcast.
Sport Witness has translated the comments relating to Middlesbrough.
That competition proved to be decisive. Middlesbrough’s manager at the time, Bryan Robson, had close ties to the England setup and quickly rose to prominence at the club.
“The Middlesbrough manager was the assistant to the England coach. That’s when I started getting interested in taking him to England.”
However, the transfer did not happen immediately. Work permit rules delayed the deal, forcing the club to wait until the player met the required international appearance criteria.
“At that time, you needed 70% national team appearances over two years. I didn’t have that yet. They kept waiting, I kept getting called up, and when I became eligible, they came back for me.”
The pitch and initial impact of the Middlesbrough project
Bryan Robson’s role went beyond recruitment. The former midfielder reassured the player with a clear playing approach, which resonated strongly.
“I believed in the Middlesbrough project because Robson convinced me. He said: ‘Come on, we’re going to build a technical team, not a physical team.'”
That promise was in line with his own style. Middlesbrough was not yet an established power, but ambition played an important role.
“Middlesbrough was a small club that wanted to go from medium to big. So I believed in the project.”
The adaptation was not without challenges. The weather deteriorated immediately, but things developed quickly on the pitch.
“I came in a harsh winter. The cold was tough. But I adapted well to English football. With long balls and pace, spaces appeared.”
It suited his game. He got the job done and made an immediate impact.
“In the first year I already had some influence. In the second year, personally, it was great. I was named best player in the league.”
Status and lasting relations in England
At that time, his arrival had widespread significance. He represented Brazil at international level wearing the iconic number 10 shirt.
“I was playing as a Brazilian number 10. For a Brazilian number 10 to go to a mid-level English club, it means a lot.”
That context helped shape how he was received not only at Middlesbrough, but across the country.
“I have a lot of affection for him and he also has a lot of affection for me.”
Even after years, this bond remains strong. Even recent visits underline his enduring popularity at the club.
“I went back with my son. He said: ‘You look like Neymar or Messi here!’ He was surprised at how people treated me.”
According to him, the appreciation remains at Middlesbrough because of how the club values its past.
“There, the past is given a lot of importance. They recognize what you did.”
What does it say about Middlesbrough
The story recalls a period when the club successfully attracted elite level talent through a clear project and strong leadership.
Bryan Robson’s influence was central in both identifying goals and selling the long-term vision. The club’s patience with work permit issues also highlights a strategic approach that paid off.
At the same time, the player’s reflections reinforce his influence on Riverside. His numbers across three spells, coupled with the League Cup win, point to a transfer relationship that provided real value.
He regrets leaving England, which also adds an interesting aspect. This shows that Middlesbrough provided an environment where he could continue to progress.
For a club that continues to balance ambition with stability, there are clear parallels with the current times.
🇩🇪Robin Fellhauer | Middlesbrough initiate contact for the signature of the versatile player
⏩ Trying to transfer borough
📅Interest in winter markets returns
➕ Burnley are also keenhttps://t.co/BkJ9X7r4RH #boro– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 27 March 2026
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