Jonathan Greening has described playing alongside the likes of Juninho and Alen Boksic as 'an amazing experience'.

The midfielder moved to Middlesbrough in 2001 following a spell with Manchester United and quickly found his feet as a key player for the Teessiders.

During his time with the club a number of high profile signings played for the club such as  Gaizka Mendieta, Gareth Southgate and Bolo Zenden - an experience which the midfielder says that he'll never forget.

Jonathan Greening, speaking exclusively to 888sport, said: "The massive low point was missing the Carling Cup final and that was a high point too. Being on the bus celebrations was amazing but it will always go down as the final that I missed out on.

"The highest point for me was going there and learning my trade. Playing 108 games in three years and being so close to home because I live in Scarborough so it’s only 45 minutes for family to come and watch me.

"Then there was playing with people like Gareth Southgate, Paul Ince and Ugo Ehiogu, bless him: people who are really good players and really good pros.

"You learn so much from these players.

"To play with Juninho and Alen Boksic and Geremi was an amazing experience.”

Can you name where these 15 Middlesbrough players started their career?

The verdict

While it ultimately signalled the end of Jonathan Greening's career, the signing of such exciting players was massive for Middlesbrough Football Club.

To have players such as Juninho, Alen Boksic, Geremi, Gaizka Mendieta and Bolo Zenden playing in Teesside was massive - not just for the club, but for the area as a whole.

It signalled the start of an exciting journey and one which will live long in the memory of every supporter.

Hopefully we'll see names such as them back at the Riverside again one day.

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Read the full 888sport interview with Jonathan Greening, including his thoughts on how Even as a player Southgate was a manager in waiting