Middlesbrough Football Club

• Nickname:Boro
• Founded:1876
• Manager:Tony Mowbray

• Ground:Riverside Stadium
• Capacity:35049

Xavier issues Boro warning

24 Jan 2007 - 12:02:18

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Defender Abel Xavier has warned Middlesbrough they risk losing him unless they open negotiations on a new contract.

Xavier, 34, has made nine appearances this season after completing a 12-month drugs ban in November.

Boro cancelled the contract of the former Portugal international after he failed a drugs test in 2005, but allowed the player to continue training with the first-team squad.

The former Everton and Liverpool defender was offered a short-term deal until the end of the season following the conclusion of his ban, and now he is looking to open negotiations on a new deal after claiming there has been interest from other clubs.

"You expect some consideration," Xavier is quoted as saying.

"When I came here I accepted anything. The club put a contract on the table and I signed.

"I wanted to show I'm capable and now we have until the end of the month to clarify the situation. The club know I have other offers.

"I'm grateful to the club for sticking by me. You show gratitude in the way you perform. Now I want to be treated as a normal player."