Middlesbrough’s Duncan Watmore in a reflective mood ahead of Tottenham clash

Watmore thought that his career could be over at only 26-years old, but is now delighted to have earned another chance with Middlesbrough. 

Watmore was concerned that he might have to fall back on the degree he earned by going to school, but wouldn’t change anything from his career now that he is back playing regularly. 

Watmore was let go from the Manchester United academy at 19-years old, but helped Middlesbrough knock out his boyhood club from the FA Cup last month.

It’s been a long path to the Riverside, with multiple knee injuries and ACL setbacks on the way.

But he is happy with his place in the game now and has realised there are more important things in life than the sport. 

“I feel more comfortable now,” says Watmore, via the Independent. 

“I’m not too old but I know, with the injuries I’ve had, I won’t have loads of years left and so with that comes a realisation of being grateful for what you have. 

“I’ve tried to let the fear of what could happen go because it doesn’t help anything. My mindset is just to enjoy it because everything from hereon is a bonus.

“People always ask me if look back sadly or have regrets because of how the injuries happened, but football has given me so much more than I ever thought it would. 

“It’s been a bit of a unique path but I wouldn’t change anything about it, even the injuries, because it’s given me a much better outlook on life in general. 

“I feel very grateful to have come through stronger on the other side and I’m in a place now where I’m at peace with the game. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Watmore was one of the first players to join Common Goal, which means he pledges 1 per cent of his salary to a charity foundation run by Juan Mata. 

The forward has become a consistent