Massimo Maccarone had a five-year spell at Middlesbrough, between 2002 and 2007.
The striker, who had arrived after an impressive time at Empoli, scored 18 times for Boro and became something of an icon for fans. He came up with multiple memorable moments, and was very much a player suited to that time.
Maccarone has now spoken to Gazzetta dello Sport about his time at Middlesbrough and explained how the transfer came about in 2002.
He told the newspaper: “I was supposed to go to Juve, but I chose the Premier League. Steve McCLaren said I looked like Del Piero, I replied that maybe he had the wrong person.”
Maccarone was famously nicknamed ‘Big Mac’ during his time at Middlesbrough and he blamed Gazzetta for giving him that name.
When asked about it, the former striker said: “It was your fault. After I scored a goal, Gazzetta published that title that would stay with me for the rest of my life: “Big Mac”.
“The English took it back. From that day on, that nickname has never gone away. And I even got it tattooed on me.”
The 45-year-old was also asked about his greatest moments from his time at Middlesbrough.
He responded: “The League Cup won in 2004 and the UEFA Cup final in 2006. Even though we lost against Sevilla, it was a magical moment. I don’t think I ever paid for a drink after those two goals in the second leg of the semi-final against Steaua.”
The fact that Maccarone has tattooed his former nickname onto his body shows that he still holds the stint at Middlesbrough close to his heart.
After all, the League Cup triumph of 2004 is the only piece of silverware he won at the club level and his goals in the UEFA Cup had made him a real fan-favourite. He also became known for his admirable workrate and tenacity.
Middlesbrough fans still look back on his stint kindly and that is good to see.
