Julio Arca signs new Middlesbrough deal

Arca left the club when his contract expired at the end of last season but has been training with Middlesbrough during pre-season

Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca has signed a new two-year deal with the Championship outfit.

The 30-year-old Argentine left the club at the end last season when his contract expired, but had been training with them during pre-season.

On Monday, manager Tony Mowbray said he was unsure whether a deal would happen.

But on Friday Mowbray told his club's website: "Julio was outstanding last season and I'm delighted he has decided to extend his career at Boro."

Arca won both the supporters' Player of the Year and players' Player of the Year awards last season.

"He is popular with the fans and in the dressing room," Mowbray added. "He is a player I value for the skill and experience he can bring to our team."

Arca joined the Teesiders in July 2006 from Sunderland for £1.75m after six seasons with the Black Cats.

During his time at Boro Arca has made 129 league appearances, scoring seven times.