Lukas Engel says he reluctantly asked to leave Middlesbrough last month after seeking reassurances over his game-time in the second half of the season.

Engel completed a loan move to FC Cincinnati last month that runs until the end of the calendar year. The deal between Boro and the MLS club includes an option to make the move a permanent one for the left-back who spent 18 months on Teesside.

In an exclusive chat with Teesside Live, Engel admits his time at Boro was full of ups and downs, but speaks with warmth about playing for the club. Having undergone hernia surgery last summer, Engel admitted he probably shouldn't have played the early games of the season before finally been taken out of the firing line after Neto Borges's arrival.

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He returned to training around Christmas and made his return on Boxing Day in the draw with Sheffield Wednesday. But seeking assurances over the game-time he would get in the second half of the season, Engel admitted he felt left with little choice but to seek opportunities elsewhere.

The Dane told Teesside Live: “I was out injured for quite some time. As I was coming back, I was being straight-up honest with Middlesbrough. I’m 26 and I need to play games. I just asked how the situation was looking for me. To be completely honest, my first thought and first priority was to be at Middlesbrough.

"But at the same time, I wanted to play games and they couldn’t guarantee me that. So I started to look for some options where I would maybe get more game time than Middlesbrough could offer me. When Middlesbrough decided they would let me go, it was dead easy to pick Cincinnati. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave though.

"I loved my time at Middlesbrough. I’m proud to have represented the club and grateful to everyone for the opportunities they gave me. I obviously wish that things had turned out differently and I would’ve been able to really establish myself in the team. But I wish nothing but good for the club and will be closely following for the rest of the season in the hope they can get over the line.”

Cincinnati weren't the only club to show interest in Engel last month. In the case of the Ohio-based club though, their interest wasn't their first attempt at signing the left-back. Ultimately, it was that factor, and the case they presented to Engel, that convinced him of the move Stateside.

“It’s no secret I spoke to Cincinnati a couple of years ago before joining Middlesbrough," Engel said. "So I knew the interest was already there. Back then, I didn’t feel like the timing was right for me. But in this window, they came with an idea of how they see me as a player, what I could bring to the table and what they could do for me. I just felt it was a great fit.

"I found myself in a position where I think the timing was right. The hope now is that I can get plenty of minutes and play some good football. It’s been a good start for me. I’ve enjoyed it since I got here and linked up with the group. It’s been completely different but everyone has helped me settle and I’m really happy and positively surprised by how good things are over here.”

Engel has so far started both of Cincinnati's MLS games. They started with a 1-0 win over New York Red Bulls, with the Dane's debut described as outstanding. But on Saturday evening they were beaten 4-1 away at Philadelphia Union.