Former Brazil international Juninho Paulista has said that winning the League Cup with Middlesbrough was the greatest achievement of his career, ahead of winning the 2002 World Cup.
Juninho Paulista said: “Back then, I was worried I wouldn’t make the Brazil squad for the 1998 World Cup, so I left Middlesbrough to join Atletico Madrid. Middlesbrough were in a bad situation at the time, they were relegated, and I thought my chances of making the national team would be slim if I stayed, but honestly, I should have stayed in England.”
“I had already fallen in love with England and English football, I felt at home here. I should have gone to another Premier League team and then gone back to Middlesbrough when they got promoted. I have no disrespect for Atletico Madrid, I had a great time there, but if I could go back in time, I would stay in England.”
Speaking about Middlesbrough’s League Cup triumph in 2004, Juninho Paulista said: “I’ve always said that this trophy meant a lot to me, especially because you could truly feel like you were part of this winning team.”
“In the 2002 World Cup, I played four times, then I got injured and only played a few minutes in the final. The Middlesbrough League Cup was different, I felt more involved.”
“Even after 20 years, I still think that way! Winning is always important, but when you’re directly involved in a win, it means even more.”
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