Mark Kitching has told Dale PlayerHD that he didn’t have to think twice about signing a permanent contract at the club.
The 21-year-old has signed an 18-month deal at Rochdale, just days after initially joining Dale on loan from Middlesbrough.
Speaking after putting pen to paper on transfer deadline day, he commented: “It has been a whirlwind few days for me. I only found a few days ago that I’d be joining the club on loan, so I was buzzing when I found out they wanted me to sign a permanent deal. As soon as I heard the news, my mind was set.”
Kitching joined the Boro Academy when he was just eight-years-old and progressed through the ranks at the club before signing his first professional contract in 2014.
He’s thankful to Middlesbrough for the opportunities afforded to him over the last 13 years, but says now is the right time to move on.
“I’m sad to be leaving Middlesbrough after such a long time but it’s something I need to do to progress my footballing carer.
“It’s the right time to move on and I think I’ve joined a really good club that’ll help me progress in the next stage of my career, so I’m really happy.
“I’ve learned a lot during my time at Middlesbrough and I’d like to thank everyone there for the opportunities they gave me, but I’m really happy to have signed here and I can’t wait to kick on.”
Watch the full interview on Dale PlayerHD.