Middlesbrough FC

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Alves sets sights on award

02 Sep 2008 - 13:38:49

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Middlesbrough striker Afonso Alves has set his sights on winning the award for Europe's top marksman this season.

The £11million Brazilian has come close to winning the 'Golden Shoe' after his scoring exploits with former club Heerenveen.

Alves, who opened his Boro account for the season against Stoke City on Saturday, scored 34 goals in 31 starts for the Dutch side during the 2006-07 campaign.

"The goal I scored against Stoke City on Saturday was my first in this season," he told the club's official website.

"That's just the start. I'm setting my targets high. I will be fighting to win the Golden Shoe this season. I almost won it when I played in Holland.

"The only reason I missed out was that UEFA doesn't rank goals scored in the Dutch Eredivisie as highly as those scored in some other European leagues.

"My goals are worth more here in England, and I feel I can snatch the prize this season.

"I've had now the opportunity of enjoying a full pre-season with my team-mates in England, and that's a decisive factor for a good campaign. I managed to score a few in our friendlies and feel I played pretty well.

"Now I have the chance to play a full season with Boro for the first time, I truly believe I can finish as top scorer in the Premier League - and in Europe too."