Martin Payero on his Middlesbrough first-season struggles and adapting to the English game

Martin Payero admits he has struggled to adapt to the English Championship but remains committed to Middlesbrough and trying to prove himself, unless told otherwise. Clubs in his native Argentina are interested in taking the midfielder back this summer after a difficult first season in England.

The 22-year-old arrived at Boro last summer from Banfield to much fanfare and excitement over his potential. The club paid around €3 million upfront for him and fought off competition from Inter Milan, as well as Boca Juniors and River Plate who are now said to be interested in signing him from Boro, as his first season on Teesside didn't quite go to plan.

While there were flashes of his quality, the packed schedule and intense style of play ultimately took their toll on the young midfielder as he suffered many injuries that limited his impact. In total, he made just 15 appearances in all competitions, just seven of which were starts.

Martin Payero discusses Middlesbrough future amid reports of a return to Argentina

Payero isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet, however. While acknowledging how difficult he found adapting to life in England in the last 12 months, he says his focus is on having a strong pre-season this summer and trying to convince Chris Wilder that he is good enough to be part of Boro's push for a Premier League return in the upcoming season.

He told Ip Sport in his home country: “The truth is that between cups and the league we have played almost 52 games throughout the year. Quite a lot. If we could have gotten through to the next round [of the FA Cup] we would have played more too. It’s very difficult; very, very dynamic.

“You have to get used to playing every other day because it is not far off every other