This is The North East | Sport | Football

AFTER finally shedding his tag as a football nomad, Doriva has urged the Middlesbrough board to extend his current stay at the Riverside by offering him a new one-year deal.

The tough-tackling midfielder is out of contract in the summer and, despite making 37 appearances already this season, his future remains far from certain.

With Steve McClaren looking to trim the average age of his squad even further, Doriva, who turns 34 at the end of next month, could well be one of the players to make way for an influx of younger alternatives.

A change of employers is hardly a novel experience for a player who once went through four European clubs in the space of four years.

But, after finally settling on Teesside, the popular Brazilian admits it would be a wrench to have to start packing his bags again.

"Football is crazy," said Doriva, who is expected to be amongst the substitutes as Middlesbrough take on Charlton in their FA Cup quarter-final replay this evening. "In my career, I have done some funny things.

"I signed a four-year contract with Porto and stayed for one, I signed a three-year contract with Sampdoria and stayed for one, I signed a four-year contract with Celta Vigo and was gone after two years.

"Here, I signed for six months and I am still here more than two-and-a-half years later. It just shows that you should never predict what is going to happen.

"I can't predict the future, but I hope it is here with Middlesbrough. I would love to stay because I am happy playing my football at Middlesbrough and I love living in England.

"My children and my family love it here and I do not want to have to move them again. If it possible, I want to stay here."

The South American could be forgiven for experiencing a sense of d�j� vu as he found himself in exactly the same position as last season drew to an end.

Then, a brief meeting with the board let to him signing a new one-year deal. Other players might have bridled at such a short-term offer but, after agreeing to a 12-year contract once, Doriva is more than happy to do so again.

"I signed a one-year contract last summer and I would definitely be willing to do exactly the same again," he explained. "The size of the contract is not important to me - staying here is what matters.

"I am very happy here in England and I hope my future lies with Middlebrough. If it doesn't, I really hope I am able to stay in England because I love it here.

"But there have been no talks yet. My agent is from Brazil and we need to fix a date when he can come over to Middlesbrough to start discussions."

Before that, though, Doriva will be focusing his attention on helping the Teessiders maintain their remarkable progress in both the UEFA and FA Cups.

Charlton will offer stern resistance following last month's goalless draw at the Valley but, after clawing back a three-goal deficit to make the last four in Europe, Boro's players will enter tonight's game in a buoyant mood.

Beating Basle has created a feelgood factor that refuses to fade despite Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, and raised Middlesbrough's profile on the European stage.

"I think everything that has happened this season has made us even more famous," said Doriva. "Middlesbrough is a small town - but now it has a big club. People know all about us now and that is important.

"When I first came to Middlesbrough, I didn't really think it would be possible to reach the semi-finals of a European competition.

"I knew Middlesbrough was a big club with fantastic facilities but, at that time, it hadn't really achieved very much.

"Now, I think playing in the UEFA Cup is normal for Middlesbrough.

"It is something we should be expecting to do every season but, to do that next year, we have to either win the competition or do well in the FA Cup."

At least the Teessiders are assured of the support of one particularly special fan as they attempt to do just that.

Doriva only arrived at the Riverside after Juninho recommended him to McClaren and, more than three years later, the Brazilian is repaying the favour by keeping his compatriot abreast of the latest developments at the ground.

"I still speak to Juni about once a month or so," he said.

"He is very happy in Brazil and is always asking me what is happening at Middlesbrough.

"He is really happy that we are doing so well because he still loves Middlesbrough and talks about the fans.

"He never forgets the support he got when he was here and I am sure he will be thinking of us when we play against Charlton and (Steaua) Bucharest.