PADDY McNAIR has confirmed he will be leaving Middlesbrough this summer, ending a six-year spell on Teesside.

McNair’s contract is due to expire next month, and while Michael Carrick was reluctant to spell out his plans for the defender prior to yesterday’s final game of the season against Watford, the Northern Irishman has taken to social media to discuss his future.

The 29-year-old has announced he will not be remaining with Boro, with the club having opted not to offer a new deal.

In a post on Instagram, McNair said: “After six years and 219 appearances, my time (at Middlesbrough) has come to an end. Big thank you to all of the players, staff and the fans for the support throughout the years. Looking forward to the next chapter.”

McNair joined Boro from North-East neighbours Sunderland in the summer of 2018 for a fee of around £5m.

He has been a key member of the first-team squad ever since, playing at central-midfield, full-back and centre-half for a succession of different Boro managers.

He was named as Boro’s Player of the Year in the 2020-21 season, but has struggled with injuries for much of the current campaign.

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He made 24 starts in all competitions this term, with his final outing in a Boro shirt turning out to have been in March’s goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers.

McNair played for Northern Ireland in a March double-header against Romania and Scotland, but was not part of the squad for Boro’s final-day win over Watford.

He will be an attractive proposition as a free-agent this summer, and has already been linked with a possible move north of the border to join Rangers.