Juninho arrives at Boro

Brazilian World Cup winner Juninho has arrived at Middlesbrough for the start of his third spell with the Premier League club.

Juninho was accompanied on the long flight from Brazil to England by his wife, Juliana and 14-month-old daughter Brunna.

Manager Steve McClaren will officially welcome back Juninho at a press conference today.

Middlesbrough fans are delighted by the return of Juninho, who was capped footballer of the year runner-up in his second season at the club.

Juninho struggled to make the same impact when he rejoined the club on loan from Atletico Madrid after breaking a leg in Spanish football.

The midfield genius proved to be back to fitness when he helped Brazil to World Cup glory and Middlesbrough are confident that he will justify his £5m (€8m) price tag.

Juninho has already boosted ticket sales at the Riverside Stadium.

Boro supporters’ club official David Pratt promised Juninho a tremendous welcome.

‘‘I am absolutely over the moon. It is a huge relief that he is here,’’ said Pratt.

‘‘Juninho is going to light things up this season.’’