STEWART DOWNING: FOOTBALL CAREER IN SUMMARY

Stewart Downing had a very good career over the course of two decades. His career as a professional football player came to an and at the end of last season after his spell at Blackburn Rovers in the English Championship. Stewart Downing enjoyed the best time of his career at Middlesbrough over two spells. In total, the retired England international played 402 times for Middlebrough and he had an attacking return of 32 goals.

In his first spell at Boro, Downing featured in eight successive top-flight seasons. He spent a lot of his playing time at the clubon the wings. Stewart Downing is renowned for the quality he showed in the colours of Middlesbroughas they surprisingly reached the final of the UEFA Cup at the end of the 2005/06 season under Steve McLaren. The winger was one of the best players as Boro emerged as the surprise package of the UEFA Cup during the earlier mentioned season. Middlesbroughcame close to winning the UEFA Cup title before they were beaten convincingly by Spanish La Liga giants Sevilla in the final. Boro were on the end of a 4-0 defeat at the hands ofSevilla in that UEFA Cup final.

Apart from Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers, Downing also played for clubs such as Aston Villa, Merseyside club Liverpool and London outfit West Ham United. However, his various spells at these clubs could not be compared with the one at Middlesbrough.

Stewart Downing spent the majority of his career in the Premier League. His time in the English Championship was towards the end of his career and at the end of his career. He retired officially at the end of last season after his Blackburn Rovers contract ended. His time with the former Premier League champions brought to an end, a fantastic career.