Adam Forshaw has defended his decision to leave Brentford as he prepares to face his former side on Saturday.
The midfielder quit Griffin Park in August to hook up with Uwe Rosler at Wigan after the Latics’ month-long pursuit of the ex-Everton trainee.
However, Rosler was sacked in November and Forshaw was given the green light to move on by Malky Mackay after just six months at the DW Stadium.
Middlesbrough swooped for the 23-year-old earlier this week and he could make his debut against Brentford in the crunch Championship clash.
“It’s going to be strange,” said Forshaw, who scored 11 goals in 100 games for the Bees.
“I’m not sure what reception I will get. I did my best during the two years I was at the club and the fans were brilliant with me.
“I was booed every time I touched the ball when Brentford played Wigan earlier in the season. I was a bit surprised, but that’s football. I can understand the fans were annoyed.
“I made the decision to leave because I thought it would further my career, not because of the money.
"Wigan were in the Premier League not so long ago and people thought they would be challenging for promotion this season.
“Things didn’t work out like that but these things happen. You live and die by your decisions.
"Maybe, I shouldn’t have left Brentford when I did, but if I didn’t then I wouldn’t have got this opportunity to come to Middlesbrough. Everything happens for a reason.”
Forshaw scooped the League One Player of the Year award after helping the Bees clinch promotion to the Championship last season.
However, things at Wigan didn’t go to plan and the Scouser is determined to kick-on again after a disappointing time in Lancashire.
He added: “I have learned a lot. You have to take the highs with the lows in football.
"It wasn’t a perfect time at Wigan but these things make you mentally stronger. It was difficult, but that’s part and parcel of football.”
