Abel back with Boro
08 Nov 2006 - 13:47:01
Middlesbrough have re-signed the former Portugal international Abel Xavier until the end of the season after the 33-year-old completed his 12-month ban for failing a drugs test.
The defender made six appearances for Boro last term before a drugs test taken after the 2-0 win against Greek side Xanthi in a UEFA Cup clash proved positive.
"In no way do we condone the taking of drugs, but the ban was reduced by the game's governing authorities, which suggests there was a significant reason for that," Boro boss Gareth Southgate told the club's official website.
"I'm a believer that people in life who serve a sentence should get the opportunity to rebuild their life or their career afterwards.
"He's served his ban and he wants to force his way back into the side. Andrew Davies has been playing particularly well, so for the moment he'll have to be patient."
Boro signed the defender from AS Roma almost 18 months ago and he has also played for Liverpool, Everton, Hannover, Benfica, Bari, Real Oviedo and PSV Eindhoven during a varied career.