Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has written a letter to schoolchildren at Acklam Grange School wishing them luck for their Spanish exams.

The Spanish-born coach, whose side have a 2-1 lead ahead of Friday's Championship playoff semi-final decider against Brentford, has issued some words of encouragement.

In the letter, which he wrote in his native language, Karanka said: "I would like to wish you all the best of luck for your next Spanish exams.

"Learning another language can be very difficult at times, but the advantage of being able to communicate with other people from different parts of the world can be very beneficial.

"This is especially true in football, but also applies to many other career options. I hope that all of you have enjoyed learning Spanish and that all of you get the results that you are expecting."

Karanka arrived in England in 2013 following a three-year spell as Jose Mourinho's assistant manager at Real Madrid.