Stewart Downing

Stewart Downing is a winger of West Ham United. He was born on 22 July 1984 in Middlesbrough, England.

Stewart spent his youth in the local club Middlesbrough academy, where the player trained for a long time before he was offered to join the first team.

In 2001 Downing signed his first professional contract with ‘The Boro’. First two seasons did not make Stewart a regular, because he made starts rather rarely.

In 2003 the management of the club decided to send the young winger on loan to Sunderland so that he could gain necessary playing practice. During 2003/2004 Steward made only seven appearances for the temporary team and scored three goals.

After the end of the loan spell, Stewart continued his performance for Middlesbrough. His return fell on a suitable moment, when the head coach needed the services of a footballer like Downing. The player took part in many games of the club, being a regular of the first team and netted 17 goals in 181 matches for Middlesbrough during six years.

In 2009 Stewart received an offer from Aston Villa, which paid £10 million for the English footballer and signed a long-term contract with him. From 2009/2010 Stewart began to take an active part in all games of the club, making 63 appearances and kicking nine goals during two years of performance.

Downing’s confident and solid play in Aston Villa drew the attention of another English club Liverpool, which made a £20 million bid for the winger. The offer was accepted and all details concerning his transfer were finalized in short term so that Stewart could sign a four-year contract. From 2011 he took part in 91 matches for the Merseyside club.

In August 2013 Stewart completed a move to West Ham United.

From 2004 till 2005 Stewart was capped eight times for the England national U-21 team. From 2005 he has made 34 appearances for the main Three Lions squad.