Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca insists he will have no divided loyalties when he returns to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.Both sides will head into the game on Saturday with issues to address with Boro's 1-0 home defeat by Bolton just as depressing as Sunderland's 2-0 derby reverse at Newcastle.

But for Arca, who scored against the Black Cats in a 2-2 draw at the Riverside Stadium earlier in the season, there will be no divided loyalties, even in front of fans who fervently hope he could return one day.

He said: "They have to understand I am playing for Middlesbrough and whatever I do, I have to do well for Middlesbrough.

"It's nice to hear people saying that, but they have to understand that it is not as easy as people think it is.

"I have a contract here for another three years and I am happy here.

"I play lots here - the manager has fouond a new position for me - and I'm happy with the way people treat me, and that is one of the main reasons I feel comfortable here."

More Football News from TEAMtalk