In 1997, after relegation, he could not even find himself a place on the team bus to celebrate the homecoming of our FA Cup heroes. Juno loves the Boro fans but at the end of the day he needs to play football.
On that occasion he needed to catch the eye of the Brazilain manager to enhance his World Cup chances, so he moved to Atletico Madrid. Sadly it all turned sour when he broke his leg and was not considered for the tournament in France.
This time round he feels he still has something to offer, but Steve McClaren feels otherwise. A move across the border would appear to be a backward move for many, but he could set Scotland alight and re-enhance his international chances.
It's a shame that once again he was be unable to say goodbye to the fans, denied even a token run-out in the last friendly against Real Mallorca and missing from the squad for the two opening games.
Undoubtedly the best Boro player to play at the Riverside he was never the same player on his return, this surely must be the end of the 'Juninho Era'. He will not return.