Former England defender Jonathan Woodgate has re-joined Middlesbrough on a three-year contract after departing Stoke City.

The 32-year-old joined the Potters from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, but he was dogged by injuries and lost his place in the team at the end of the campaign.

"The pull of helping Boro back in the Premier League is very strong for me. And from what I have seen of the current squad, I think it's achievable," he told the club's official website.

"Tony Mowbray explained his plans for next season and how he is building a team that wants to get back in the Premier League as soon as possible. I want to be part of that and if we can achieve promotion in my time here it will be a fantastic way to end my career.

"Tony also likes his teams to play football the right way, and that was also a big plus point for me. It's just a great feeling to come back to this football club."

Woodgate appreared 46 times for Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2008.