Stewart Downing has ended the uncertainty surrounding his future by signing a new five-year contract with Middlesbrough.
The England winger still had two years to run on his Riverside contract, but has now committed himself to Boro until the summer of 2013.
Downing had repeatedly called for a resolution to the negotiations amid reports of his agent claiming that he would not sign a new deal.
The 23-year-old told the club’s official website: “This is where I want to be.
“It’s my hometown club, but I had told them that I didn’t want us to stand still. Signing Alves shows how ambitious we are.
“There’s been talk about other clubs, but I never wanted out. This is what I’ve wanted all along.
“I’d like to thank the fans for the support they have given me.
“They could have really got on my back in recent weeks in response to all that was being said. But they have been great.”
