Akpom Reacts On Breaking 33 Years Boro Scoring Record, Team's Form

Akpom Reacts On Breaking 33 Years Boro Scoring Record, Team's Form

By Tunde David

Nigeria-born Chuba Akpom expressed his delight after breaking a 33-year-old goal record for Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 27-year-old forward scored his 20th and 21st league goals of the season to help Boro to a 5-0 win over Reading.

"Even when I score tap-ins in training I do celebrate. I love scoring goals, I have had a passion for scoring goals since I was young," he said when asked if he is happy to score his 21st goal of the season.

According to Optajoe, Akpom's 21 league goals this season means he is the first Middlesbrough player to score 20+ goals in a league campaign since Bernie Slaven in 1989-90 (21).

"I've seen him do that celebration a few times and it's only right I do that I scored 21 league goals now and do that celebration, so yeah let's just keep going," Akpom responded when asked about breaking Bernie Slaven's club record.

Akpom also had a chance to score a hat-trick in the 76th minute but allowed his teammate to take the penalty instead.

"I am worried about that team, to be honest, I am a striker and you do need to be selfish sometimes but I just want the team to do good, I want us to get promoted that's my main goal so if that(allowing Forss to take the penalty) can spread good energy within the team and everyone could chip in goals it can only benefit the team.

With the win, Middlesbrough moved to third in the Skybets Championship table, four points behind second-place Sheffield United who are in the automatic qualification places.

"We aren't watching other teams, we are just focusing on ourselves. I hope we keep performing like today till the end of the season," He concluded when asked about the team's premier league qualification chances.