Championship side Middlesbrough have confirmed the departure of John Obi Mikel from the Riverside Stadium.
The Super Eagles captain signed a short-term deal with the Smoggies in January after leaving Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda.
The 32-year-old impressed during his short stay with the side and made 18 appearances, helping Boro to keep seven clean sheets, and scoring once.
Despite the effort of the former Chelsea player, the Smoggies missed out on a place in the play-off by a point after finishing seventh on the table.
Mikel has not been offered a new deal following the expiry of his contract along with three other players.