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Massimo Luongo determined to prove himself Championship worthy after Middlesbrough spell
Massimo Luongo is determined to prove that he’s still capable at Championship level, admitting his Middlesbrough move didn’t go well.
The Australian midfielder was on the verge of a return to his home country last Autumn before a late move from Boro prompted a Teesside switch and another shot in England’s second tier. It followed his release from Sheffield Wednesday where he’d suffered relegation and struggled with injuries.
Luongo was a Boro signing aimed at pleasing then-manager Chris Wilder who was not satisfied with his midfield options at the end of the summer transfer window. But with Luongo still building his fitness, Wilder was dismissed by Boro and replaced by Michael Carrick, by which point interim boss Leo Percovoch had overseen the emergence of academy midfield talent Hayden Hackney.
The result was Luongo failing to make a single appearance for Boro before he was released at the end of his short-term deal. But the 30-year-old instead joined Ipswich Town where he played a crucial role in their promotion-winning run in the second half of the season. His excellent form has ultimately earned him a new one-year deal at Portman Road, and one more chance to prove himself in the Championship.
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Speaking to Aussie football website KeepUp after signing the contract extension in Suffolk, Luongo said: “You have to find a place you’re happy with. When I was at Wednesday, we were relegated and had a points deduction, an embargo – it was just all sorts and I was injured pretty much the whole season. That was completely out of my control.
“Getting back up to the Championship felt like the hardest thing ever. After Covid no one really wanted to spend money or buy older players, or take a risk on players who had been injured. It was a difficult time but getting back to that level and watching it from afar for two seasons, it was like you know what? I still fancy myself.
“I had a few opportunities to go back to Australia or go abroad. I ended up at Boro which didn’t go that well. I trained with a few Championship sides and I felt I’m still good enough to compete at that level.
“I’m so glad I did it with Ipswich. It was good to re-establish and find my form again, and find my passion again. Doing it in a team that plays really nice football with a club that’s going in the right direction, they want to build and want to get to the Premier League.”
Luongo ultimately played 15 league games for Ipswich as they won promotion from League One. They didn’t lose any of the games he played, dropping only four points and conceding only four goals when he was on the pitch. Therefore it was little surprise to many that he was offered a new deal.
Tractor Boys boss Kieran McKenna told the East Anglian Daily Times: “It’s a well-earned extension at the club for Massimo. He played such a massive role for us in the second half of last season, not just when he was in the team but during the initial period where he was building up his fitness.
“He showed his qualities as a player and as a person and added experience and composure to the whole group. He brought that to the training ground and to the pitch whenever he came. He is such an intelligent footballer who was able to adapt quickly to our style as a team and the role we wanted him to play.
“He grasped things so well and put his own slant on them as well, so we’re delighted to have him with us next season. He has Championship and international experience (with Australia) as well, so he’s a high-quality and versatile player who we think will be an important member of the squad next season.”
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