'Everyone gets opportunities' - Chris Wilder on letting Martin Payero leave Middlesbrough

Chris Wilder insists Martin Payero had opportunities at Middlesbrough as he explained the reason why he allowed the midfielder to depart. Payero left Boro after just one season at the club, joining Boca Juniors on loan, with a view to a future permanent move.

It brought an end to 12 difficult months for the young Argentine midfielder as he struggled to adapt to life in England following his move to Teesside last summer which created much fanfare. Ultimately though, with struggles with injuries not helping his cause, Payero struggled to live up to the hype as he managed just one goal and one assist in 14 appearances.

Payero's exit has divided many Boro supporters, and Wilder appreciates the differing opinions on whether Boro were right to let the 22-year-old go or not. But ultimately he made a decision based on whether he believed Payero was good enough to get into the Boro team, insisting he had ample opportunity to prove himself.

Martin Payero completes Boca Juniors loan move from Middlesbrough

“Martin’s gone to play some football," the Boro boss said. "It’s just not worked out for him and I’ve got to make those decisions based on the feeling of what I’ve seen and who can take us forward. Martin is obviously delighted to make that move and we wish him all the best.

"Hopefully he gets to where he should be, but we’ve got to deal with the players here that want to be here, that really want to give it a go and are all in with everything that we do and are committed. Martin goes with our best wishes.

"It was quite difficult for him, but when people say he had limited opportunities... there were opportunities; everybody always gets opportunities. Players have got to take them and sometimes when they don’t we have to