Boro thrilled with Alves deal
01 Feb 2008 - 11:45:16
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- Boro thrilled with Alves deal
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson claims the capture of record signing Afonso Alves shows the ambition of the Teesside club.
Gibson was keen to stress that he and manager Gareth Southgate were keen to bring both Alves and fellow Brazilian striker Fred to the Riverside Stadium during the transfer window.
The Teessiders only managed to complete the reported £12million signing of Alves from Heerenveen, but Gibson believes that still spells out the club's ambition.
"This is a massive signing for the club," he told the club's official website. "It shatters our previous transfer record.
"It's important people know that we didn't just go for Alves, we went for Fred too.
"If the right player comes along we will invest in this squad, but players have to fit in with our culture."
Meanwhile, Gibson is hoping Alves can be as prolific in the Premier League as he was in the Dutch Eredivisie.
The 27-year-old netted 45 goals in 38 appearances for Heerenveen - including an amazing seven times in one match.
"If you look at games we should have won this season, the difference has been a natural finisher," he added.
"I don't want to say too much because our football has got to do the talking.
"The crowd have been absolutely fantastic this season, they've been really behind the club, Gareth and the players. Now we've got every reason to be positive."