PADDY McNAIR has confirmed that he will leave Middlesbrough this summer, ending a six-year stay on Teesside.
McNair’s contract is set to expire next month, and while Michael Carrick was reluctant to reveal his plans for the defender ahead to yesterday’s season-ending game against Watford, the Northern Irishman has taken to social media to discuss his future.
The 29-year-old has declared that he will leave Boro after the club declined to offer him a new contract.
McNair wrote on Instagram: “After six years and 219 appearances, my time (at Middlesbrough) has come to an end.” Thank you to all of the players, staff, and fans for your support over the years. I am looking forward to the next chapter.
McNair joined Boro from Sunderland in the summer of 2018 for an estimated £5 million.
Since then, he has been a significant member of Boro’s first-team squad, playing central midfield, full-back, and centre-half for a number of managers.
He was awarded Boro’s Player of the Year in 2020-21, but has been sidelined with injuries for much of the current season.
This season, he made 24 starts across all competitions, with his final appearance for Boro coming in March’s goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers.
McNair represented Northern Ireland in a March double-header against Romania and Scotland, although he did not make the final-day roster for Boro’s victory over Watford.
He will be a desirable free agent this summer, and has already been linked with a move north of the border to join Rangers.
