ROCHEMBACK AGREES SPORTING SWITCH

Rochemback - back at former club.

Brazilian midfielder Fabio Rochemback has agreed a three- year contract with former club Sporting Lisbon after passing a medical on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old was released by Middlesbrough at the end of the Premier League season after they decided not to extend his contract.

Rochemback will return to Sporting three years after leaving the Portuguese capital and will be coached by an ex-team-mate in Paulo Bento.

And the former Barcelona man revealed the offer from Sporting was too tempting to turn down.

He said: "It is good for both sides.

"So many things made me accept the offer. I know the club, the people working for the club, and there was the Champions League (Sporting Lisbon have qualified after finishing second in the league), which is very important for any football player.

"Life here (in Portugal) is different to that in England."

Rochemback claimed the chance to work with Bento was also an attraction.

He added: "He is a coach who knows me and played along me. It will be good work with him.

"I hope to help the club and bring some experience and calmness after three seasons in England.

"It is good to be back. I feel at home."

Rochemback, who scored seven goals in 91 appearances for Middlesbrough, will move to Sporting on a free as his contract with the Teesside club runs out on June 30.