Middlesbrough fans will love what George Friend has said as big Riverside moment looms | OneFootball

Middlesbrough's legacy game takes place this Sunday and George Friend has spoken of his excitement for it

Middlesbrough's 150th anniversary is coming up on October 20, and during the ongoing international break, Boro are looking back on their rich history.

The current squad will be able to celebrate the club turning 150 later in the month, but Middlesbrough are holding a legacy game on Sunday, 4 October, to look back and reminisce about some of the players who have brought success on the field.

Indeed, Boro at the peak of the Steve Gibson reign were Premier League regulars, made multiple domestic cup finals, won the League Cup in 2004 and reached the final of the UEFA Cup (now the Europa League) in 2006.

Players from that era, the likes of Juninho, Yakubu and Geremi, are all set to take part, but so are several players from their most recent promotion out of the Championship back in 2016, such as Adam Clayton, Daniel Ayala and George Friend.

George Friend previews Middlesbrough legacy game

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Friend spent eight years at Middlesbrough — the longest he stayed at one club for his entire career. He made 299 appearances for the Teesiders, overseeing plenty of highs and lows throughout his tenure.

The 38-year-old's first season at the club saw them finish 16th, their lowest finish in 23 years, but he also played a key role in play-off campaigns and, of course, in that 2015/16 term under Aitor Karanka, which culminated in automatic promotion.

Friend made 40 league appearances that season, and then 24 the following year in the Premier League. He stayed for three more years after that sole campaign in the top flight, departing for Birmingham City in 2020 as a legend.

Understandably, he's looking forward to returning to the Riverside on Sunday, taking to LinkedIn to preview the game.

"A club that shaped my career," he wrote.

"As we get closer to the Middlesbrough FC Legacy Game on October 4th, I'm really looking forward to stepping back onto the Riverside. What makes the day even more special is the opportunity to play alongside so many players who have played their own part in Middlesbrough FC's history.

"I've been lucky enough to share the pitch with some great players throughout my career, but coming back together with former Boro teammates and seeing some familiar faces again is going to be something special.

"There's nothing quite like walking out at the Riverside, and I know it will bring back plenty of memories. I can't wait to see everyone there."

The legacy game will be a special occasion for Middlesbrough

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Not only will Sunday's legacy game allow for Middlesbrough fans to enjoy some football at the Riverside amidst this ongoing three-week break from action, but it will also allow fans to think back and enjoy squads from their history.

Seeing the likes of Friend, Ayala, and Emilio Nsue playing together again, with and against the heroes from a decade earlier, players such as Danny Mills and Franck Quedrue, will be a brilliant occasion for Boro fans who have lived through those eras.

Any time a significant anniversary is on the horizon, there's a buzz around the club, and Middlesbrough have seemed to capitalise on this perfectly.

The legacy game on Sunday will serve as the perfect starter ahead of Kim Hellberg's side's anniversary fixture in the first game back after the break against fellow promotion rivals Wolves.

The current Middlesbrough squad will be looking to replicate the success of George Friend and co this season

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Since that Premier League campaign back in 2016/17, Middlesbrough haven't graced the top flight, with the current term being their 10th successive Championship season.

Barring the 2019/20 campaign, Boro have been consistently a top-10 side, breaking into the top six on three occasions, but have so far failed to replicate what Friend and co did over a decade ago.

Kim Hellberg's side came close last season, running out of gas at a crucial point in the season and eventually falling in the play-off final against Hull City. Their summer business, however, indicates that they're keen on going one better this year.

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