May 13, 2008 12:14 PM

SOURCE:
goal.com

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Sporting Seal Rochemback Return

Sporting have completed the signing of Fábio Rochemback from Middlesbrough...

The British outfit had an option to extend the 26-year-old's stay at Riverside Stadium by two years, but opted not to use it as the Brazilian was keen on a return to the Lions.

Rochemback, who found playing time extremely hard to come by at Boro, reportedly had more lucrative offers on the table but his desire to play for the club he represented from 2003 to 2005 played a crucial role in his plans.

He has agreed on a three-year deal with Sporting and confessed, meanwhile, to be a much better player than when he left for England.

"These three years were very important to my career. Playing against big clubs, playing with great players, I learned a lot," he explained.

"When I was at Sporting, I was 23, now, at 26, I am still young, but more mature and with a lot more experience."

And Rochemback, who is Sporting's first signing for the new campaign, is reported to have a place in Paulo Bento's starting XI as Miguel Veloso has been linked with a summer transfer.