One of Middlesbrough’s past idols has come back into focus this week, after a detailed account of how his move to England came about – and why he perhaps should never have left.
Juninho Paulista, who became one of the club’s most recognisable names during the late 1990s and early 2000s, had a significant impact across multiple spells at the Riverside.
In total, he made 150 appearances for Middlesbrough, scoring 34 goals and providing 18 assists. He moved to the club on three separate occasions, underlining both his importance and the relationship built with the team and the fans.
Notably, he was also part of the squad that won the League Cup in 2004 during his second spell, one of the club’s most important modern achievements.
His comments now provide fresh insight into Middlesbrough’s recruitment strategy at the time, as well as the impact he made after arriving.
According to the player, the move can be traced back to an international tournament in 1995, when he first caught the attention of English football, while playing at Brazilian side São Paulo.
“We played the Umbro Cup in England. It was Brazil, England, Sweden and Japan. We became champions and beat England 3-1 at Wembley,” he explained to a Brazilian podcast.
Sport Witness have translated the comments relating to Middlesbrough.
That competition proved decisive. Middlesbrough’s manager at the time, Bryan Robson, had close links with the England setup and quickly moved to position the club.
“The Middlesbrough manager was assistant to the England coach. That’s when the interest in taking me to England started.”
However, the transfer did not happen immediately. Work permit rules delayed the deal, forcing the club to wait until the player met the necessary international appearance criteria.
“At that time, you needed 70% of national team appearances over two years. I didn’t have that yet. They waited, I kept getting called up, and when I qualified, they came back for me.”
Middlesbrough project pitch and early impact
Bryan Robson’s role went beyond recruitment. The former midfielder convinced the player with a clear sporting vision, something that resonated strongly.
“I believed in the Middlesbrough project because Robson convinced me. He said: ‘Come, we’re going to build a technical team, not a physical one.'”
That promise aligned with his own style. Middlesbrough were not yet an established force, but ambition played a key role.
“Middlesbrough was a small club that wanted to become medium to big. That’s why I believed in the project.”
The adaptation was not without challenges. The weather stood out immediately, but on the pitch, things developed quickly.
“I arrived in a tough winter. The cold was difficult. But I adapted well to English football. With the long balls and the pace, spaces appeared.”
That suited his game. He found room to operate and quickly made an impression.
“In the first year I already had some impact. In the second year, individually, it was very good. I was named the best player in the league.”
Status in England and lasting connection
At the time, his arrival carried wider significance. He was representing Brazil at international level, wearing the iconic No.10 shirt.
“I was playing as Brazil’s No.10. For a Brazilian No.10 to go to a mid-level English club, that meant a lot.”
That context helped shape how he was received across the country, not only at Middlesbrough.
“I have a lot of affection for them, and they have for me too.”
The bond has remained strong years later. Even recent visits underline his lasting popularity at the club.
“I went back with my son. He said: ‘You look like Neymar or Messi here!’ He was surprised by how people treated me.”
According to him, the appreciation in Middlesbrough has endured because of how the club values its past.
“There, the past is very valued. They recognise what you did.”
What this says about Middlesbrough
The story offers a reminder of a period when the club successfully attracted elite-level talent through a clear project and strong leadership.
Bryan Robson’s influence was central, both in identifying targets and in selling a long-term vision. The club’s patience with work permit issues also highlights a strategic approach that paid off.
At the same time, the player’s reflections reinforce the impact he had at the Riverside. His numbers across three spells, combined with a League Cup win, point to a transfer relationship that delivered real value.
He regrets leaving England, which also adds an interesting angle. It suggests Middlesbrough provided an environment where he could have continued to thrive.
For a club that continues to balance ambition with sustainability, there are clear parallels with the present day.
🇩🇪 Robin Fellhauer | Middlesbrough initiate contact for versatile player’s signing
⏩ Boro pursuing transfer
📅 Interest goes back to winter market
➕ Burnley have also been keenhttps://t.co/BkJ9X7r4RH #boro— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 27, 2026
