Seb Hines says ex-Boro teammate Kei Kamara played a big part in persuading him to leave Teesside and start a new chapter of his career in the MLS.
On Tuesday, the 26-year-old defender joined Orlando City on a six-month loan deal from Boro, with a view to a permanent move in the summer.
After graduating through Boro’s Academy, Hines found himself crippled with a series of injuries and making less than 100 appearances for the club in nine years.
Hines started four of Boro’s opening six matches this season, but after an injury-hit spell on loan at Coventry, has decided to move to the United States and join a team captained by Brazilian maestro Kaka.
And that decision was an easy one to make, admitted Hines, after speaking to former teammate Kamara, who is also plying his trade in the MLS with Columbus Crew alongside Emanuel Pogatetz.
"I asked Kei about the league, and he was all for it. He said if I get the chance I should take it ,” Hines told MLSsoccer.com.
@keikamara 
“I’ve been in England all my career and need a fresh start. The style of football might suit me better - it seems more composed and not like a tennis match with long balls, which you can get in the Championship.
“Everyone is starting to notice it is a massive opportunity to come over. It is certainly a growing league, and if you have the opportunity to come in, it is massive for any player.
“With the quality of players over here, it is a great incentive to me. My friends can’t believe I’m playing with Kaka – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Hines isn’t short of familiar faces at the Florida-based club, with former Boro loanee Sean St Ledger also on trial at the club.
City head coach Adrian Heath said he was delighted to capture Hines and believes he will add versatility to his side ahead of the MLS kick-off next month.
“Seb has been a really good pick up for us,” the former Everton forward said.
“The things he has shown us relatively quickly are that he has good pace and presence. He is good on the ball and he can play at right back.
“We obviously had to scramble a bit once Andre wasn’t an option, but I’m very happy with the guys who have come in and we also have flexibility now.”
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