“Looking back now to be Champions of Europe… When Fernando and me went to the national team, we were different people; we felt stronger and taller.” — Juan Mata
That's true - despite a few stupid comments (calling the South Africans "kaffir," equivalent to nigger), he did keep it out of his politics. I'm not sure about the pedophilla thing, I thought it was worth mentioning though.
I think it does take away from his acheivements. I respect what Gandhi did greatly, but when you find out he was racist (and quite possibly a pedophile - look up his relationship with his 17 year old grand niece), it's hard to respect him as much.
6 months at Boro, then review the situation and loan to a PL side if he did well and should move up. Or just stay at Boro if he's getting starts and fits in well.