I always wanted to play in the Premier League Michael Reiziger

Reiziger became a free agent when his contract at the Nou Camp expired and Boro boss Steve McClaren moved quickly to snap him up.

The 31-year-old was part of the Dutch team that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2004, before losing to Portugal.

"I'm feeling very happy," the Dutchman said after signing a two-year deal with the club, with an option of a third.

Reiziger said he turned down Spanish side Valencia to move to the Riverside.

"Valencia were banging on the door but I chose Boro because they gave me a big feeling and their ambition is to reach the highest level.

"What persuaded me was I always wanted to play in the Premier League. This year was my big chance.

REIZIGER FACTFILE 1973: Born 3 May, 1973 in Amstelveen, Holland 1985: Joins Ajax at the age of 12. 1990: Makes Ajax debut but fails to gain a regular place. 1994: Recalled after loan spells at Volendam and Groningen, he switches from midfield to right-back and wins Champions League and Dutch title. 1994: Makes Holland debut 1996: Signs for AC Milan 1997: Moves to Barcelona, helps them win La Liga in first season and scores winner in Spanish cup final. 2004: Helps Barcelona to second in La Liga but contract is not renewed after seven years at Nou Camp 2004: Plays a key part in Holland's Euro 2004 campaign and earns a switch to Boro Holland exit Euro 2004

"I will do everything I can to be a great help for the team and I think we have a good team and can do some positive things in Europe and the league.

"The challenge is to adapt very quickly in this league, which is very tough.

"But I I've shown it in Spain, which is also very tough, and now I want to show I'm capable of doing it in England.

"Middlesbrough have to show this season that we not only have the names but the quality to make it a good season."

Boro are expected to follow up the signing by landing Leeds' Mark Viduka.

Australia international Viduka, 28, has passed a medical at Boro and has already trained with McClaren's squad.

He will complete the switch after finalising a few contractual problems with Leeds.

Meanwhile, Boro are confident an administrative problem over changing Gaizka Mendieta's year-long loan from Lazio into a permanent deal will be ironed out soon.

"We have an agreement with Lazio that his loan will become a four-year permanent deal," said club spokesman Dave Allan.

"Gaizka has signed that contract and was back with us in training yesterday."