**Middlesbrough’s transfer history has resurfaced again this week. This comes after icon Juninho Paulista admitted he made the wrong call when leaving England. At the time, there was strong interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.**
The Brazilian, who enjoyed multiple spells at the Riverside and became a key figure for the club, has been reflecting on one of the biggest decisions of his career.
While his time at Middlesbrough [**brought success and recognition**](https://sportwitness.co.uk/you-look-like-messi-here-middlesbrough-icon-opens-up-on-recognition-and-affection/), including a League Cup win in 2004, his exit now comes with clear regret.
Across his stints with Boro, he made 150 appearances, scoring 34 goals and providing 18 assists. Those numbers underline his importance as a creative force. Moreover, they help explain why interest from Premier League clubs grew around him, with chances to sign for Liverpool and Tottenham.
In the meantime, he played for Atletico Madrid from 1997 to 1999 after a €13.80m (£11.9m) deal was struck with Boro. Then he had loan spells in Brazil (while still attached to Atleti) until he was brought back to Riverside in 2002 for €6.90m (£5.9m).
Interest from Premier League rivals
-----------------------------------
Speaking about that period for a [**Brazilian podcast**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgx4MauvDcQ), Juninho Paulista revealed that interest from top English clubs was very real as his time at Middlesbrough neared its end.
_“There was interest from Manchester United, but they didn’t want to pay what Middlesbrough wanted. I think it was £12m (€14m). Ferguson didn’t want to pay.”_
That valuation proved decisive. Despite serious attention from Old Trafford, no agreement was reached, leaving the door open for other clubs to step in.
He confirmed that both Liverpool and Tottenham also made concrete moves.
_“Liverpool and Tottenham made offers.”_
At that point, Middlesbrough were dealing with growing demand for one of their standout performers. His numbers and influence across multiple spells had made him one of the most recognisable attacking midfielders. This was especially true outside the traditional elite clubs.
Decision now seen as mistake
----------------------------
With hindsight, however, Juninho Paulista now believes he should have stayed in England rather than pursue a move abroad.
_“If I had the awareness I have today, I wouldn’t have left England. I would have gone to Liverpool or Tottenham.”_
That admission is striking. It suggests that, despite opportunities at a higher level within the Premier League, he opted for a different path at the time. Now, it is one he questions.
Instead, he chose to leave England altogether, ending a chapter that had seen him thrive in a fast-paced and physically demanding league.
What this means in hindsight
----------------------------
For Middlesbrough, the situation highlights how close they came to cashing in on one of their most valuable assets during that era.
A potential £12m (€14m) deal with Manchester United would have represented a major transfer at the time – but would have strengthen a local competitor, which was not the case with Atleti.
However, the club’s firm stance on valuation meant that move never materialised. Meanwhile, interest from Liverpool and Tottenham shows the level he had reached within English football.
From the player’s perspective, the regret is clear. He recognises now that remaining in England – and stepping up within the Premier League – may have been the better career move.
That reflection adds a new layer to what was already a successful spell at Middlesbrough. It also reinforces how quickly decisions in the transfer market can shape a player’s long-term trajectory.