MIDDLESBROUGH , England -- Middlesbrough have confirmed that midfielders Fabio Rochemback and Gaizka Mendieta and striker Dong Gook Lee have all been released . Middlesbrough have decided against taking up the option of re-signing Brazilian midfielder Fabio Rochemback . The Premier League club had an option to extend Brazilian 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 . `` 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 games 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 -- where he is expected to move back to this summer . Mendieta , 34 , was one of football 's costliest players when he joined Lazio from Valencia for 48 million euros in 2001 , but he disappointed and joined Barcelona and then Boro on loan . The former Spain midfielder joined permanently on a free transfer in 2004 , but has not played for the first team since December 26 , 2006 . `` It was a difficult situation for a player of Gaizka 's caliber to find himself out of the first team reckoning , '' added Southgate . `` 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 did n'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 Korean international Lee joined Boro on a free transfer from Pohang Steelers in January 2007 . He scored only twice in 11 starts and 18 appearances as a substitute and has not appeared for the first team since early February . Southgate is still hopeful of persuading goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to sign a new contract at the Riverside . The 35-year-old Australian joined Boro from Bradford City in a $ 3 million deal in February 1997 and has played nearly 450 games for the club . His deal runs out this summer and he has so far refused to sign an extension , prompting reports of interest from a host of European clubs . `` We are talking to Mark . I 'd like him to stay . His experience is important but he has real drive and determination that is still increasing , '' said Southgate . `` He is the one in our dressing room that can truly say he has played at the highest level -- in World Cups , in Europe , in cup finals and so on . `` We have to negotiate and see where we go , but players have to want to stay here and we have to want to keep them . `` Mark has been here a long time so he has to decide if he needs a fresh challenge , whether what we are trying to do is going to excite him , whether he feels he is going to be appreciated here . '' Southgate also confirmed they have offered striker Tom Craddock and right-back Tony McMahon one-year extensions to their current deals , which run out this summer . Brazilian Rivaldo has changed his mind about retiring and says he will play for Greek club AEK again next season . The 36-year-old had decided to quit after AEK were denied the title because Olympiakos were awarded three points for a game they lost after the opposing team fielded an ineligible player . `` The truth is that at the end of the championship , I felt great disappointment and a ( sense of ) injustice , but the love and support I have received from fans and the team have contributed to my final decision ... I have decided to stay at AEK next season , '' Rivaldo said in a statement on the club 's Web site . Olympiakos lost 1-0 on February 3 , but Greek sports authorities gave them the points because Apollon played Roman Wallner who had turned out for two other clubs during the season . Apollon 's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport was rejected on April 21 . Olympiakos finished the season with 70 points , two ahead of AEK , for their 11th title in 12 years . Rivaldo , who has played at AC Milan and Barcelona and starred in Brazil 's 2002 World Cup victory , spent three seasons at Olympiakos from 2004 . He moved to AEK last year after a contract dispute . Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara has signed a new three-year contract with the club . The 21-year-old made his debut this season and went on to score two goals in a total 25 appearances . `` He has come a long way in a short space of time so I congratulate him and this new contract is recognition of his efforts , '' said manager Juande Ramos . `` Jamie is an example to all the young players at the club in that reaching the first team can be achieved through hard work and giving the best of yourself . '' However , Tottenham goalkeeper Radek Cerny has left the club . The 34-year-old Czech international , who was on loan from Sparta Prague , has joined ambitious Championship club Queens Park Rangers on a two-year contract .
Middlesbrough release midfielders Fabio Rochemback and Gaizka Mendieta . The Premier League club decide not to take up option on Rochemback 's deal . - January 5 :