Tue May 13 16:30:41 2008

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Middlesbrough cuts midfielder Rochemback loose

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Middlesbrough, England (Sports Network) - Middlesbrough have decided against offering midfielder Fabio Rochemback a new contract when his current deal expires next month.

The 27-year-old Brazilian, who scored a sensational free-kick in Sunday's 8-1 rout of Manchester City, will be allowed to leave the Riverside Stadium alongside unwanted duo Gaizka Mendieta and striker Dong-Gook Lee.

Rochemback made 33 appearances in all competitions this season but had been linked with a return to former club Sporting Lisbon at various points in the campaign.

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

"Fabio is a talented player. I think he has just had his best season for us."

Meanwhile, Mendieta, who cost Italian side Lazio nearly $60 million when he moved from Valencia in 2001, has been allowed to leave on a free transfer.

The former Spain international has not made an appearance for the Boro first team since December 2006.

"It was a difficult situation for a player of Gaizka's caliber to find himself out of the first-team reckoning. It was a dent to his pride," Southgate said.

"I made it clear to him that he did not figure in my plans but he decided to stay and try to get back into the first team.

"That didn't work out but his attitude to training was always excellent and he was a good influence on some of our young reserve-team players."

South Korea international Dong-Gook Lee has also been released after struggling to hold down a starting place following his arrival from Pohang Steelers in January 2007.

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)