The Brazilian will follow Gaizka Mendieta and Dong Gook Lee, who have both been released, out of the exit door at the Riverside when his three-year contract runs out on 30th June.

Boro had an option to extend Rochemback's deal by another two years but manager Gareth Southgate has decided to let him go.

"We both feel that the time is right for Fabio to have a fresh challenge," Southgate said.

major role

"He is a talented footballer and I think he's just had his best season for us, while it was fitting that he should bow out against Manchester City on Sunday with probably his best performance in a Middlesbrough shirt."

The 26-year-old joined Boro from Barcelona in 2005 and played 91 matches for the Teesside club. He signed off in style by scoring a thumping long-range free-kick in Sunday's 8-1 victory over City.

Rochemback, who netted seven times for Boro, played a major role in helping the club reach the 2006 UEFA Cup final, a year after appearing in the final during a loan spell with Sporting Lisbon.