Very few English football players go to other football leagues - in most cases they remain in their own country to play in the Premier League or Championship. Stuart Downing is no exception, this player, who is remembered by many fans for his left foot, as well as his versatility in attack, spent his entire career in England. And now, when the end of this career is getting closer, he does not plan to leave his native country - the midfielder decided to return to his native club, and not look for something new abroad. But what was the career path of this player? Where did Stuart Downing start his performances? What did you achieve? And where is he performing at the moment?
Career start and play for Middlesbrough
Stuart Downing was born July 22, 1984 in the city of Middlesbrough, and he was literally destined to become a football player. From an early age, he joined the club’s football academy of the same name and was extremely happy, as he always supported him. Naturally, he also dreamed of one day becoming a professional footballer who defended the colors of FC Middlesbrough, and strove for this with all his might.
Stewart trained hard and at the age of eighteen got what he wanted - a professional contract with his beloved club. He was extremely happy: he was able to stay in the Middlesbrough Academy, he was not sent to the academy of another club, did not refuse to sign a contract with him. And now he had a chance to show what he was capable of.
Stuart was called into the adult team even when he was 17 years old, and he played three matches. After signing a professional contract, alas, the situation has not changed much: for the entire season the young midfielder entered the field only the next three times, but in this case he marked his first goal for the club.
The management understood that they had a real talent, which could give a lot to the team, but due to the fact that it was not possible to introduce the player into the team, it was decided to send him for rent for six months to Sunderland, where he showed himself very well.
Therefore, when Downing returned, he was waiting for a stable place at the base. After the lease, he spent five and a half years at Middlesbrough, during which he managed to become almost a legend, but in 2009 Aston Villa became interested in the 25-year-old midfielder, who offered him 13 million euros. Middlesbrough FC, which at that time was far from in a better financial position, was forced to agree. So a new page was opened in Downing's biography.
Transition to Aston Villa
Aston Villa has become a real platform for a high start - Stuart Downing brilliantly spent two seasons at the club, having played 79 matches and scored eleven goals. But in 2011 something happened that every football player dreams of. The scouts of large clubs were closely watching for Downing, and as a result Liverpool made an incredible offer.
Just a couple of years ago, not every fan knew who Stuart Downing was. Middlesbrough was a small club in the city where Stuart was born, so playing for him was his dream. But even so, which footballer doesn’t dream of playing for a top club? Downing was able to realize this dream, having moved to Liverpool in 2011 for a record 23 million euros.
Climbing to the top
It was in Liverpool that Stuart Downing reached its peak. The football player, however, unfortunately, could not stay on it. Downing's takeoff was impressive - in two years in the camp of the Merseysides he entered the field 91 times, scoring seven goals. However, in 2013, the club management decided that the player is not good enough to play for the club. Therefore, it was sold for six million euros at West Ham.
A new beginning at West Ham
It would seem that after this, many football players can not stand the blow, and their careers begin to roll down. However, not in the case of Downing. The player withstood the blow and was only motivated by what happened to him.
He spent two wonderful years at West Ham, playing 79 games and scoring another seven goals. By this, he most likely made Liverpool bosses more than once regret that he was sold, or at least that he was sold so cheaply. But it is worth noting that in 2015, Downing turned 31 already, so he began to think about returning to the roots. Fortunately, the “Origins” did not mind at all - Middlesbrough even paid West Ham an impressive sum of eight million euros for his pupil.
Return to Middlesbrough
In the summer of 2015, Downing signed a four-year contract with his native club, for which he immediately began to speak with great zeal. He deservedly got a place at the base and in the first season he entered the field in 55 matches, scoring three goals.
In the current season, Downing has already played in eight games, but has not yet been marked by goals, but has already issued two assists. Most likely, Stuart will play out until 2019, after which he will end his career in his own club or continue his performances there if he has the strength and the club will need him.
Team appearances
For the England national team, Stuart Downing made his debut in a friendly match against the Dutch national team in February 2005. He was called to the 2006 World Cup, where he replaced in three matches.
The next major tournament was the 2012 European Championship, but there he spent all the time on the bench. Downing spent his last match for the national team in November 2011. It was a duel against the Scottish national team, in which the British won with a score of 3: 1.