Aitor Karanka has told Sky Sports he never wanted to leave Middlesbrough and said it was upsetting to hear reports claiming he told his players he didnt want to manage them anymore.The 42-year-old looked set to be leaving the Riverside Stadium at the weekend when it emerged he had left the clubs Rockliffe Park training headquarters suddenly and unexpectedly after a team meeting. FL72 Podcast Aitor Karanka explains a dramatic week at Middlesbrough -listen here Karanka was not in the dug-out for Sundays 2-0 Sky Bet Championship defeat at Charlton, but the club announced on Monday evening that he would resume his role as head coach with immediate effect. Karanka looked set to be leaving the Riverside Stadium at the weekend Asked by Sky Sports Jonathan Oakes if he had told the players he did not want to manage them anymore as per the rumours, Karanka said: They knew my position, and this is maybe one of the things that hurts me a lot.When I heard that there were problems with the changing room, when I have been here for two-and-a-half years and they have given me everything.When I came here we were fighting in the relegation positions, and now we are near the top of the table. Middlesbrough are looking to return to the top flight after a seven-year absence That change is because we have an amazing relationship. So it was more difficult for me to hear, because we were fighting together, and it was difficult for me especially when it is not true.Karanka held a meeting with his players and staff on Tuesday to thrash out the way forward after chairman Steve Gibson had moved to find a solution and refocus attention on the clubs bid for a return to the Premier League after a seven-year absence.The Spaniard told Sky Sports that himself and Gibson didnt need to agree something because there was never a disagreement, but admits the past week caused concern within his family. Middlesbrough sit third in the Championship, a point behind the automatic promotion spots with a game in hand I cant deny every single rumour, Karanka said. Sometimes I wanted to cry, sometimes I wanted to laugh.The worst thing was that my family in Spain were hearing a lot of things and sometimes they called me and were concerned because they read things, heard that something wasnt good for me.There were moments in these two days where my family called me. Those were the worst moments for me because if I would have liked to leave today or after the game on Sunday I had more chances to leave, because the team lost the game, so I never wanted to leave. I have an amazing squad, I have always said that.Middlesbrough sit third in the Championship, a point behind the automatic promotion spots with a game in hand, and face Hull on Friday evening at the Riverside, live on Sky Sports 1HD.Watch the extended interview with Karanka before the match on Friday from 7pm.Also See:Karanka never wanted to leaveSix more FL games on SkyKaranka staying with BoroMiddlesbrough newsAir VaporMax Sale . -- Derrick Rose shook off poor shooting early to hit clutch shots late and Carlos Boozer had 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 104-95 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Blue Air VaporMax 2018 Online . Clarkson had been dealing with an elbow injury in early January and will be out of action for at least one week. He has three goals and five assists through 36 games with the Leafs this season. http://www.cheapairvapormaxfreeshipping.com/ . -- Devin Hester is done returning kicks in Chicago. Mens Air VaporMax 2018 . "I wrote 36 on my sheet at the beginning of the game," the Cincinnati coach said, referring the yard line the ball would need to be snapped from. Cheap Air VaporMax China . -- Jonathan Drouin gave Halifax the boost it needed to edge host Sherbrooke Phoenix 3-2 in a shootout in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action.GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Dan Raudabaugh threw six touchdown passes and the Philadelphia Soul won their second ArenaBowl title, beating the Arizona Rattlers 56-42 on Friday night.Raudabaugh was 20 of 36 for 278 yards. Shaun Kauleinamoku was selected the game MVP after leading the Soul in receiving with eight catches for 110 yards and three touchdowns.Philadelphia improved to 2-2 in championship games. The Soul beat San Jose in 2008 and lost to Arizona in 2012 and 2013.Arizonas Nick Davila was 23 of 38 for 281 yards and four touchdowns. Maurice Purify had nine receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns.The game was played at Gila River Arena, home of the NHLs Ariizona Coyotes, because the WNBAs Phoenix Mercury had a game at Talking Stick Resort Arena.ddddddddddddWith Philadelphia leading 56-42, the Rattlers were in position to make it a one-possession game, but James Romain intercepted Davilas pass in the end zone with 48 seconds left.The Soul raced to a 21-0 lead. Raudabaugh opened the scoring on the first possession with a 16-yard pass to Darius Reynolds. Dwayne Hollis returned a fumble 49 yards for a touchdown, and Tracy Belton recovered the kickoff in the end zone for another score. ' ' '