"To be completely honest" - Player reveals reason for leaving Middlesbrough FC | OneFootball

Lukas Engel has opened up on his decision to leave Boro in the winter transfer window.

Middlesbrough outcast Lukas Engel has revealed his decision to request a transfer away from the Riverside Stadium in the winter transfer window "wasn't easy".

The 26-year-old was struggling for regular football in Michael Carrick's squad this season, whilst also having to contend with a recovery from hernia surgery last summer.

His path to a place in the Middlesbrough starting XI took an even greater hit with the arrival of Brazilian left-back Neto Borges in August, before Ryan Giles' loan signing in the January transfer window pushed the Dane further down the pecking order.

Engel would eventually secure an initial loan move to MLS side FC Cincinnati that runs until December, but the deal does include the option to make it a permanent switch.

"I'm proud to have represented the club" - Lukas Engel opens up on Middlesbrough exit

Speaking via Teesside Live, Engel revealed that his first thought wasn't to leave Middlesbrough in the winter window, and wishes his time on Teesside had worked out differently.

He said: “I was out injured for quite some time. As I was coming back, I was being straight-up honest with Middlesbrough. I’m 26 and I need to play games. I just asked how the situation was looking for me. To be completely honest, my first thought and first priority was to be at Middlesbrough.

"But at the same time, I wanted to play games and they couldn’t guarantee me that. So I started to look for some options where I would maybe get more game time than Middlesbrough could offer me.

"When Middlesbrough decided they would let me go, it was dead easy to pick Cincinnati. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave though. I loved my time at Middlesbrough. I’m proud to have represented the club and grateful to everyone for the opportunities they gave me.

"I obviously wish that things had turned out differently and I would’ve been able to really establish myself in the team. But I wish nothing but good for the club and will be closely following for the rest of the season in the hope they can get over the line.”

Engel appears to be happy with his MLS move despite his feelings for Middlesbrough

Despite evidently finding it a tough decision to call time on his Middlesbrough career, Engel appears to be enjoying life across the pond as he begins his MLS adventure.

“It’s no secret I spoke to Cincinnati a couple of years ago before joining Middlesbrough," he continued. "So I knew the interest was already there. Back then, I didn’t feel like the timing was right for me.

"But in this window, they came with an idea of how they see me as a player, what I could bring to the table and what they could do for me. I just felt it was a great fit.

"I found myself in a position where I think the timing was right. The hope now is that I can get plenty of minutes and play some good football. It’s been a good start for me. I’ve enjoyed it since I got here and linked up with the group.

"It’s been completely different but everyone has helped me settle and I’m really happy and positively surprised by how good things are over here.”