Jonny Howson has expressed his gratitude to Norwich City fans for the warm reception they gave him upon his return to Carrow Road as a Middlesbrough player.
The midfielder has explained how recalling the round of applause he received during his first game back at his former club after departing leaves him feeling emotional.
Howson is plotting a Championship triumph with Boro with Michael Carrick's appointment at the Teesside club prompting an uplift in fortunes.
That saw them record a dramatic 2-1 victory at Carrow Road prior to the World Cup break - with Howson influential in their positive second-half performance.
The ex-Canaries midfielder remains a popular figure in Norfolk having made 188 appearances during a five-year spell at the club before he joined Middlesbrough in 2017.
Howson also won the Barry Butler Memorial Trophy in 2015/16 season and was part of the side that gained promotion to the Premier League at Wembley over his current employers back in 2015.
Yet, Howson recalls why he feels the reception he received from Norwich fans meant so much to him on a personal basis - more than any individual accolade.
"I've won some player of the year awards and it's obviously great but I judged things that I've achieved as a team - (winning at Wembley with Norwich) and getting promoted with Leeds.
"The two promotions are the ones that stick out but my personal view is when I've played my previous teams, they have always given me a good reception.
"Certainly when I was fortunate enough to go back to Elland Road and I managed to score but they applauded me, even after the game. When I first went back to Carrow Road with Middlesbrough I was on the bench but when I came on they gave me a nice round of applause.
"Let's be honest, some players can be forgotten. Players can come and go quickly. The fact they have remembered you means you must have done alright when you've been at that team.
"I look at it as a massive respect thing," Howson told Boro's official channels. "I can always take someone saying that I can't run, tackle or head but if they questioned my attitude or commitment then that would hurt.
"I always believe fans will appreciate players, irrespective of talent, who give it their all for the club and work hard. To go back to a club that you've left, and they show that bit of appreciation, it means a lot.
"There aren't many jobs in the world that can create something like that. Even talking about it gets the emotions going - it was a nice moment."
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