
Under-fire winger Stewart Downing admits he has contemplated leaving Middlesbrough in recent weeks.
The Teesside-born England man has been the subject of criticism from a section of the home support, following Boro's dismal start to the season.
"I do remain committed and would love nothing more than to bring success to this club," said Downing - who was linked with a summer move to Tottenham.
"But in the last couple of weeks I have been to see the manager and I did express at one point I wanted to go.
"The manager has been good to me. Why let these people who get on your back get the better of you? They have done it before to me and I have come through it.
"They were cheering me after that, it's strange.
"The manager has backed me and I am close to the manager.
"When I spoke to him about it, he has tried to assure me that times will change. He doesn't want me to leave on that note."