George Friend signs new deal with Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough have announced that George Friend has signed a new contract extension at the club.

The 28-year-old left-back, who moved to the Riverside from Doncaster Rovers in 2012, is now tied down to the club until the summer of 2020.

"For me committing to the Boro for another four years is because of so many things - a fantastic chairman, a brilliant manager and staff, great teammates, absolutely amazing fans and a beautiful area in which to live," Friend told the club's official website.

"I am very grateful and thankful to everyone who has encouraged and supported me. What I can promise in return is to continue to try to give 100% commitment to the club. My grandfather taught me many things, one of which was to play every match with the same energy and focus as if I was playing in the world's biggest stage.

"This is what I've always tried to do from the beginning of my career to now, as we stand on the threshold of the Premier League. In my eyes the Riverside is the best and biggest stage and to be given the opportunity to extend that privilege is everything."

Boro will get their Premier League campaign underway this afternoon against Stoke City.