Aitor Karanka: 'Joining Middlesbrough is an important day'

Middlesbrough's new head coach Aitor Karanka has insisted that it is 'his time' to take the reins as a manager.

The 40-year-old was officially appointed as Tony Mowbray's successor in a press conference this morning on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Karanka takes on the role following a stint in Jose Mourinho's coaching staff at Real Madrid, which he left in the summer after the Portuguese boss returned to Chelsea.

"It's a very important day for me, it's my first job," Karanka told reporters. "I think it's the best thing that I can do because I find a club that's like a family with big facilities, a big stadium, big supporters - it's a very important day for me.

"I think it's my time. I have [spent] three years with Mourinho and I think he was supporting me every day. I learned a lot with him and I think I'm ready to start."

Middlesbrough are currently 16th in the Championship table.