Juninho hints at leaving

JUNINHO yesterday gave the strongest indication yet that his appearance at Wembley in Saturday's FA Cup final will be his last for Middlesbrough.

On the day he was named Middlesbrough's Player of the Year, the inspirational Brazilian said he had to put his ambition, especially with his country, ahead of relegated Middlesbrough's need for him. Staying in the Premiership, he said, "was more important than winning the Cup."

The World Cup finals in France next year are his obvious priority. "In Brazil there are new players coming every month and it's very important for me to play in the national team," he said.

Brazil's coach Maro Zagallo has stressed that his exiled players must appear in the top division.

Emphasising the point, Juninho added: "I have to think of my career. I'm still young; I have to do what is best for me."

A Spanish or Italian club may provide that opportunity, although a move to a top Premiership club - Manchester United's Alex Ferguson is an avid admirer - cannot be ruled out.

Juninho appeared to be preparing imminent farewells. "If I leave Middlesbrough, I will miss the supporters and all the friends I have made here.

"The supporters have been with us in the bad moments and we will try to win the Cup for them. Wembley is a dream for me, and the English players as well. It is the biggest Cup in the world."

He is still devastated by relegation. "I came here to help Middlesbrough win things and I never thought we could go down. I'm very upset. I can't believe so many good players here will be in Division One next season, we are too good for that."

Juninho has two years left on his contract and is due to have talks with Middlesbrough's manager Bryan Robson after the Wembley meeting with Chelsea. But the Brazilian's words suggest a parting of the ways is in both parties' interests.

Robson has pledged to sit down and talk to all his players, not just Juninho, Fabrizio Ravanelli and Emerson, about the repercussions of relegation once the Cup final is out of the way.